Ronnie Spector

Indelibly linked with the groundbreaking "Wall of Sound" productions of her former husband Phil Spector, Ronnie Spector first came to fame as lead singer of 1960s hitmakers The Ronettes, in many ways defining the era with her beehive hairdo, tight skirts, and the sensual innocence of her striking vocals. Born in New York City on August 10, 1943, and raised in a large, mixed-race family, she developed an affinity for doo-wop groups like Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers and Little Anthony and the Imperials. Drawing upon those pop influences, she formed the Darling Sisters with her sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley in 1957. The group later changed its name to The Ronettes and released singles like "You Bet I Would," "Silhouettes," and "He Did It" on the small Colpix label on 1961. Phil Spector later signed the group to his Philles label and co-wrote their breakthrough hit, "Be My Baby," which charted at Number 2 in 1963. More hits followed, but the group broke up in 1967 and Ronnie married Phil Spector shortly thereafter. Little more was heard of Ronnie until her split with Phil Spector in 1973, and she launched a career career with 1980's Siren. Her biggest success as a solo artist, however, arrived in the form of Eddie Money's "Take Me Home Tonight," which featured her vocals and became a Top 5 hit in 1986. She continued releasing her own music during the 21st century, with 2016's English Heart marking her final album. Six years later, she passed away on January 12, 2022, succumbing to cancer at 78 years old.

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