Remembering Ronnie Spector
• Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of The Ronettes and the voice behind such timeless ’60s hits as “Be My Baby,” “Baby I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain,” died Wednesday, Jan. 12 after a brief battle with cancer, according to the AP. She was 78.
A statement from Spector’s family, posted to RonnieSpector.com reads, “Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer. She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan. Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude. Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her. In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requested that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund. A celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the future. The family respectfully asks for privacy at this time.”
The Ronettes’ sexy look and powerful voices — along with songwriting and producing help from the eccentric producer Ronnie would later marry — and divorce — Phil Spector — helped turn them into one of the premier acts of the girl-group era.
Spector, born Veronica Bennett, alongside her sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley as The Ronettes, scored hits with pop masterpieces like “Baby, I Love You,” “Walking in the Rain,” “I Can Hear Music” and, of course, “Be My Baby,” which was co-written by Spector, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.
In March 1963, Estelle arranged an audition with Phil Spector, known for his signature “wall of sound” production. Shortly thereafter they were signed to Spector’s Philles Records, initially singing backup for other acts until Spector had the group record “Be My Baby” and “Baby I Love You.” The Ronette’s debut album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica, was released in 1964, and five of its 12 tracks made the Billboard charts.
Spector and Ronnie were married in 1968 and divorced in 1974. Their tumultuous marriage was chronicled in Ronnie’s 1990 autobiography Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts And Madness. And we all know what happened to Phil Spector…
After the Ronettes broke up, Spector continued to tour and record music, notably lending her vocals to Eddie Money‘s 1986 hit “Take Me Home Tonight.” She also covered Billy Joel‘s Say Goodbye to Hollywood” with the E Street Band, and released a 1999 EP She Talks to Rainbows, which includes her first ever recording of “Don’t Worry Baby,” written for her by Brian Wilson.
Spector is survived her husband, Jonathan Greenfield, and two sons, Jason and Austin. [Photo © 2009 Debra Greenfield]
