Remembering The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector

During the 1960’s Ronnie gave voice to memorable songs such as “Be My Baby”

Remembering The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector



Ronnie Spector, born Veronica Yvette Bennett, was born on August 10, 1943, in New York City. Raised in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, Ronnie grew up in a multiracial family; her mother was African American and Cherokee, and her father was Irish American. Her love for music was evident from a young age, and she was heavily influenced by the doo-wop and rhythm and blues sounds that were popular in her neighborhood. Along with her older sister, Estelle Bennett, and their cousin, Nedra Talley, Ronnie formed a singing group in the late 1950s, initially performing at local talent shows.
In 1957, Ronnie, Estelle, and Nedra officially formed The Ronettes, originally known as the Darling Sisters. The trio gained attention for their unique blend of powerful vocals, striking beauty, and beehive hairstyles, which became their signature look. After struggling to find success with various record labels, they caught the eye of producer Phil Spector in 1963. Under his guidance and with his innovative “Wall of Sound” production style, The Ronettes recorded their first major hit, “Be My Baby,” in 1963.
“Be My Baby” became a massive success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing The Ronettes’ place in music history. The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of all time, and Ronnie’s distinctive voice became its defining feature. The Ronettes followed up with other hits, including “Baby, I Love You,” “Walking in the Rain,” and “Do I Love You?” The group’s success earned them international fame, and they toured with The Beatles in 1966, further boosting their popularity.
Despite the chart success, The Ronettes disbanded in 1967 following a European tour, and Ronnie Spector married Phil Spector that same year. Unfortunately, their marriage was marred by Phil’s controlling and abusive behavior, which greatly affected Ronnie’s personal and professional life. After enduring years of abuse, Ronnie escaped the marriage in 1972, later describing her experiences in her memoir, “Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness.”
Following her departure from Phil Spector’s control, Ronnie embarked on a solo career, though it was initially challenging for her to reestablish herself in the music industry. In 1971 she recorded the single “Try Some, Buy Some/Tandoori Chicken” at Abbey Road Studios, London, for The Beatles label Apple. The A-side was written by George Harrison and produced by both him and Spector. She released her first solo album, Siren, in 1980, but it didn’t achieve significant commercial success. However, she continued to perform and record, finding renewed success in the 1980s with the help of artists like Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Money. Her collaboration with Eddie Money on the 1986 hit “Take Me Home Tonight,” in which she sings the iconic line “Be my little baby,” reintroduced her to a new generation of fans.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Ronnie continued to release music and perform live. She became a revered figure in the rock and roll community, known for her influence on female artists and her enduring contributions to pop music. In 2007, The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their legacy and on August 9, 2017, People Magazine premiered a new single “Love Power” by Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes, making it the first Ronettes single in decades.
Ronnie Spector’s marriage to Phil Spector was a turbulent period in her life, and she has spoken openly about the emotional and psychological abuse she endured including being imprisoned in their California mansion. After their divorce, she found happiness in her second marriage to Jonathan Greenfield, with whom she had two sons. The couple remained together until her passing.
Ronnie was deeply committed to her music and her fans, often expressing gratitude for the support she received throughout her career. She was also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in support of victims of domestic abuse.
Ronnie Spector passed away on January 12, 2022, at the age of 78, after a brief battle with cancer. Her death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike, who remembered her as a pioneering force in rock and roll and one of the most iconic voices of the 1960s that helped to shape the sound of that era.

 



Look back at The Ronettes performing live in 1965 their hit “Be My Baby” and also “Shout” from “The Big T.N.T. Show”



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