Luther Ingram, the man who co-wrote one of pop music's greatest hits, has died at age 69.

Ingram, whose recording of "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right" was a No. 1 hit in 1973, died Monday in St. Louis.

He'd had a kidney transplant several years ago and fought kidney failure for most of the last decade.

Starting out with his brothers as The Gardenias in Alton, Ill., Ingram went on to a solo career with Koko Records, which was distributed by the famous Stax label.

He co-wrote the Staples Singers hit "Respect Yourself" with Sir Mack Rice.

Ingram's other hits included "Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)" and "I'll Be Your Shelter (In Time of Storm)."

Survivors include his wife Jacqueline, sons Luther Jr. (Eric) and Kenneth, a sister and five brothers.