Sixties pop star Ronnie Spector died January 12, 2022 as a result of cancer at the age of 78.  She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death.

The family issued a statement saying, “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.”

A member of The Ronettes, Spector provided the vocals for the girl group’s  hit songs including “Be My Baby”, “Baby I Love You”, “I Can Hear the Music”, and “Walking in the Rain”.  With the help of songwriter and producer Phil Spector, Known for their short skirts, beehive hair dos, and liberal use of eye makeup The Ronettes became one of the biggest names in the sixties.  They toured England with The Rolling Stones.

The Ronettes were Ronnie, sister Estelle, and cousin Nedra.

Born Veronica Bennett on August 10, 1943 in the Spanish Harlem area of New York City, Ronnie and her bandmates grew up in Washington Heights where they began performing in clubs as Ronnie and the Relatives.  They signed their first record deal with Phil Spector in 1963 and began singing backup for other groups before making it big on their own.  They released their debut album in 1964.  Though eligible in 1989, it wasn’t until 2007 that The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  The Ronettes are also members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.



The lime light was short lived when the group broke up in 1967.

In 1968, Phil Spector made Ronnie his second wife but were divorced six years later.  The couple had three children together.  According to Ronnie, Phil kept her locked up inside their Hollywood mansion.

Ronnie Spector may have had a short musical career with The Ronettes, but her influence was felt for generations to come.  Amy Winehouse cited her as an idol, Billy Joel wrote “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” in her honour, and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson became obsessed with “Be My Baby”.

After divorcing Phil Spector, Ronnie returned to music as a  solo artist and performed with Eddie Money, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, and Patti Smith.  She recorded her last album in 2016.

Ronnie is survived by her husband Jonathan Greenfield and children.

The family noted that Ronnie has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund.

Ronnie Spector discography:
“The Fabulous Ronettes featuring Veronica”
“The Ronettes featuring Veronica”
“The Ronettes Greatest His – Volume 1”
“The Ronettes Greatest His – Volume 2”
“Unfinished Business”
“The Best of The Ronettes”
“She Talks to Rainbows”
“”Something’s Gonna Happen”
“The Last of the Rock Stars”
“Ronnie Spector’s Bust Christmas Ever!”
“Be My Baby: The Very Best of the Ronettes”
“The Very Best of Ronnie Spector”
“English Heart”

Recordings with Other Artists:
“A Christmas Gift for You”
“Murray The “K” at the Brooklyn Fox”
“Memories of The Cow Palace”
“Rainbow Bridge”
“Muscle of Love”
“I Don’t Wanna Go Home”
“Just One of the Guys”
“Can’t Hold Back”
“Dirty Dancing”
“Get Down Tonight: The Best of T.K. Records”
“Street Carols”
“Back to Mono”
“Blue Coral Reef”
“Tycoon”
“Canary Island”
“A Very Special Christmas 2”
“Brace Yourself”
“Adios Amigo”
“Atomic Swing”
“The Wizard of Oz in Concert Dreams Come True”
“It Takes II”
“Shakin’ with The Money”
“Project 1950”
“Pretty in Black”
“Avonmore”

feature photo credit: Ronnie Spector.jpg