Alert: Ronnie Spector, leader of the Ronettes and soaring voice behind hits like ‘Be My Baby,’ dies at 78
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Why The Ronettes’ ‘Be My Baby’ and Frank Sinatra’s ‘Strangers in the Night’ Have the Same Drumbeat
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Frank Sinatra’s music became massively popular again in the mid-1960s, and one of his most famous songs from that era was “Strangers in the Night.” Notably, “Strangers in the Night” reuses the famous drumbeat from The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby.” During an interview, a notable musician explained why that was the case.
The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector, Estelle Bennett, and Nedra Talley-Ross | GAB Archive/Redferns
A drummer who played on The Ronettes’ ‘Be My Baby’ discussed what happened during Phil Spector’s sessions
Hal Blaine was the drummer who worked on “Be My Baby.” During an interview with The Guardian, he discussed his working relationship with Phil Spector. “I was Phil’s regular drummer,” Blaine said. “He was very superstitious. He always wanted the same studio, the same microphones, the same night — Friday.”
Blaine revealed what happened during Spector’s sessions. “For a normal session, you’d have piano, drums, bass, and guitar,” Blaine revealed. “But Phil would have at least three bass players and four pianists playing at the same time, with seven or eight guitarists strumming.”
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Hal Blaine reused a drumbeat on Frank Sinatra’s ‘Strangers in the Night’
Blaine revealed the drums from “Be My Baby” were an accident. “I was like a racehorse straining at the gate,” he recalled. “But [Spector] wouldn’t let me play until we started recording, because he wanted it to be fresh. That famous drum intro was an accident. I was supposed to play the snare on the second beat as well as the fourth, but I dropped a stick.”
Blaine left in the mistake and reused it on Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night.” “Being the faker I was in those days, I left the mistake in and it became: ‘Bum-ba-bum-BOOM!’ And soon everyone wanted that beat. If you listen to me in Frank Sinatra’s ‘Strangers in the Night,’ I’m playing the ‘Be My Baby’ beat, just very softly.”
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The way the world reacted to The Ronettes’ ‘Be My Baby’ and Frank Sinatra’s ‘Strangers in the Night’
Both “Be My Baby” and “Strangers in the Night” became huge hits; however one was more popular. “Be My Baby” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remained on the chart for 13 weeks. The song’s parent album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica, reached No. 96 on the Billboard 200 and lasted eight weeks on the chart.
“Strangers in the Night” became even more popular in the United States. The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week and stayed on the chart for 15 weeks in total. “Strangers in the Night” appeared on Sinatra’s album of the same name. The album spent one week atop the Billboard 200 and 73 total weeks on the chart. “Strangers in the Night” reused the drumbeat from “Be My Baby,” but it became more popular than the song that inspired it.
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The Ronettes icon Ronnie Spector has died
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Ronnie Spector, the leader of The Ronettes, has died at the age of 78, her family has confirmed in a statement.
The ‘60s girl group icon died earlier today (January 12) “after a brief battle with cancer”, the statement – which was posted to her official website – read.
“She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan,” Spector’s family wrote. “Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humour 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.”
Spector formed a group, originally known as The Darling Sisters, alongside her sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley in New York in 1957. They released a handful of singles with Colpix under the moniker Ronnie And The Relatives from 1961, and later changed their name to The Ronettes after signing with Phil Spector’s Philles Records in 1963.
Their first release on Philles Records was the iconic track ‘Be My Baby’, which scored them their first Top 10 single on the Billboard Top 100 in 1963, peaking at Number Two. They followed it up with ‘Baby, I Love You’, while they also appeared on the label’s compilation album ‘A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector’.
The group only released one studio album in their career, 1964’s ‘Presenting The Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica’. They continued to release singles sporadically until they broke up in 1967, following a tour supporting The Beatles.
Spector decided to reform the group in 1974 after divorcing her husband, replacing Bennett and Talley with Chip Fields and Denise Edwards. They released one single – 1974’s ‘I Wish I Never Saw The Sun Shine’ – before the outfit folded once again.
The singer went on to launch her own solo career, releasing four solo albums between 1980 and 2016, plus three EPs. Prior to making full-length records, she also put out seven singles, including 1964’s ‘So Young’ and 1976’s ‘Paradise’. On her 2006 solo record ‘Last Of The Rock Stars’ she collaborated with the likes of Patti Smith, The Raconteurs, Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Nick Zinner and more, while in 2017 she shared a track called ‘Love Power’ under the name Ronnie Spector And The Ronettes.
With The Ronettes, Spector has been inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1999 for ‘Be My Baby’, the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame in 2004 and the People’s Hall Of Rock And Roll Legends in 2010.
In 2007, they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards. At the event, Spector and Talley performed ‘Baby, I Love You’, ‘Walking In The Rain’ and ‘Be My Baby’.
Spector documented her life in the 1990 memoir Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts And Madness, Or, My Life As A Fabulous Ronette. The book is set to be adapted into a film, with Zendaya confirmed to play Spector.
Tributes have begun to pour in since news broke of Spector’s death. The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson wrote: “I just heard the news about Ronnie Spector and I don’t know what to say. I loved her voice so much and she was a very special person and a dear friend. This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever.”
I just heard the news about Ronnie Spector and I don’t know what to say. I loved her voice so much and she was a very special person and a dear friend. This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever.
Love & Mercy, Brianhttps://t.co/dXZKTMWv8a — Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 12, 2022
Stevie Van Zandt added: “RIP Ronnie Spector. It was an honour to Produce her and encourage her to get back on stage where she remained for the next 45 years. Her record with the E Street Band helped sustain us at a very precarious time (thanks to Steve Popovich). Condolences to her husband and family.”
RIP Ronnie Spector. It was an honor to Produce her and encourage her to get back on stage where she remained for the next 45 years. Her record with the E Street Band helped sustain us at a very precarious time (thanks to Steve Popovich). Condolences to her husband and family. — Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) January 12, 2022
Darlene Love said that she was “in total shock” over the news.
“Did not see this one coming,” she added, writing alongside a series of pictures. “Please give me time to process my thoughts to give Ronnie the proper tribute she deserves. She and I shared so much together
I’m in total shock! Did not see this one coming. Please give me time to process my thoughts to give Ronnie the proper tribute she deserves. She and I shared so much together. 💔😢 Posted by Darlene Love on Wednesday, January 12, 2022
See more tributes to Ronnie Spector below.
Our dear friend Ronnie Spector, has passed. She was the sweetest person you could ever know. And her mark on rock and roll is indelible.
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.#RonnieSpector @RonnieSpectorGS pic.twitter.com/9ozv0Yqk9j — Joan Jett (@joanjett) January 12, 2022
Peace and Love, Ronnie Spector.💔 pic.twitter.com/QbkuVEgg92 — Susanna Hoffs (@SusannaHoffs) January 12, 2022
this totally blows. fuck cancer. RIP the legend Ronnie Spector. Thank you for the music, for being so freaking cool. pic.twitter.com/RqKEWsZtrL — Kathy Valentine (@Kathy_Valentine) January 13, 2022
Ronnie Spector was the true embodiment of rock and roll, a survivor, a pioneer and the original bad girl. Her autobiography changed my life and when we became sort of pen pals, I was star struck. I cried off all of my eyeliner and mascara when I read the news 💔 pic.twitter.com/IOnmAFZeUZ — Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) January 13, 2022
Ronnie SPEctor Peace pic.twitter.com/3uDmRV7Fpn — Chuck D (@MrChuckD) January 13, 2022
Oh No! Ronnie Spector, Girl Group Icon and Leader of the Ronettes, Dies at 78 https://t.co/xjh7zyRw2c — Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) January 12, 2022
Absolutely gutted to hear this news.
Dear beautiful, talented , fierce Ronnie. I will love you eternally. But then again you knew that.
Love Love Love from your girl, Sx pic.twitter.com/h5mI4mPWCr — Garbage (@garbage) January 12, 2022
So talented, so influential and just so cool. RIP Ronnie Spector. pic.twitter.com/L72sY54WSh — Matt Everitt (@matteveritt) January 12, 2022
RONNIE SPECTOR FOREVER pic.twitter.com/6TcBaQqIqt — Light In The Attic (@lightintheattic) January 12, 2022
The powerful opening credits of Martin Scorsese’s ‘Mean Streets’ with the inimitable voice of the great Ronnie Spector of The Ronettes singing “Be my Baby”. Rest In Peace 🖤⚡️ pic.twitter.com/EaGdboTi0j — Lost In Film (@LostInFilm) January 12, 2022
Rest In Peace Ronnie Spector such a special time in music. What a beautiful song 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘀 – 𝐁𝐞 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 – l𝗶𝘃𝗲 | [𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿] https://t.co/762G9yoQ8b via @YouTube — Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 12, 2022
One of the first voices I fell in love with RIP beautiful Ronnie Spector💔 https://t.co/EeaxSeJfdQ — Kim Wilde (@kimwilde) January 12, 2022
What a voice. What an amazing woman. https://t.co/3OBngQQBq4 — David Quantick (@quantick) January 12, 2022
Ronnie Spector, Legendary Singer from the Ronettes, has Died
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Ronnie Spector, Legendary Singer from the Ronettes, has Died Dimas Sanfiorenzo Dimas Sanfiorenzo is the Managing Editor for Okayplayer. He specializes…
Ronnie Spector, powerhouse lead singer of the legendary 1960s pop group the Ronettes, died after a fight with cancer.
Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of the legendary 1960s pop group the Ronettes, died on Wednesday, January 12th, after a bout with cancer. Spector was 78 years old.
Spector’s family made the announcement on the singer’s official website.In a statement they wrote:
“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 Ronettes consisted of Spector (who originally was named Veronica Bennett), her older sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley. The group, who were originally from Spanish Harlem, began officially releasing music in the early 1960s, via Colpix Records. They would strike success early with “Be My Baby,”which was released in 1963 and still is seen as one of the group’s most iconic songs (the song would reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.) Over the years they would have other iconic songs, like “Walking in the Rain,” “Baby I Love You,” and their version of “Sleigh Ride.”
Ronettes‘ debut album was Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica and was released in 1964, with five of the 12 tracks charting.
The Ronettes would break up in 1967 and Ronnie Spector would marry Phil Spector (who produced a majority of the group’s music) a year later. Ronnie Spector has spoken openly about how toxic and abusive that marriage was for her. In her 1990 memoir Be My Baby, she alleged that Phil trapped her in a mansion and forbade her from having a career. (She says he surrounded their house with barbed wire and guard dogs.)
Spector eventually escaped the mansion in 1972 with the help from her mother. They divorced in 1974 and in the settlement process In their 1974 divorce settlement, Ronnie forfeited all future record earnings because Phil threatened her life. She would go to launch her own solo career in the ’80s, releasing two albums Siren and Unfinished Business.
In 2007, the Ronettes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, where he said “They could sing all their way right through a wall of sound.”
Spector is survived by her husband, Jonathan Greenfield, and her two sons, Jason and Austin.
Ronnie Spector, Lead Singer of the Ronettes, Passes Away at 78 • EBONY
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Ronnie Spector, the charismatic lead singer of the iconic girl group The Ronettes, passed away on Wednesday, CNN reports. She was 78.
Spector’s passing was confirmed by her family in a statement saying she had “a brief battle with cancer.”
“Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer,” the family’s statement read. “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.”
Born Veronica Bennett in the Spanish Harlem section of New York City, she formed the Ronettes in 1961 with her sister, Estelle, and their cousin Nedra Talley
Two years later, the group got their big break after they auditioned for music producer Phil Spector, the brains behind the 1960s’ “Wall of Sound” style, who signed them to his record label.
Unlike their contemporaries, the Ronettes donned skintight clothes and were unapologetically seductive.
Throughout the course of their career, the Ronettes charted nine songs on the Billboard Hot 100, five of which landed in the Top 40. Songs such, “Baby, I Love You”, “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up” “Walking in the Rain,” and their signature tune “Be My Baby, “are considered classics in the American songbook.
In 1964, the group released their only studio album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica.
When the group broke up in 1967, Ronnie married Phil Spector shortly. The union was widely known as a tumultuous one where Ronnie said that Phil was possessive and abusive. They divorced in 1974.
In 1988, Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes sued Phil Spector for more than $10 million in royalties and licensing fees. After years of litigation, in 2000, he was ordered to pay the Ronettes royalties twice a year.
Spector was later convicted of murdering actress Lana Clarkson and sentenced to 19 years in prison. He died behind bars in January 2021.
After his death, Ronnie said, “he was a brilliant producer, but a lousy husband.”
The Ronettes were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “Be My Baby” in 1999, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
The family said Ronnie Spector “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.”
We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ronnie Spector.