The Musician - Ronnie Spector

Ronnie Spector, born Veronica Yvette Bennett, began her musical journey in East Harlem, New York City, nurtured by her supportive parents. Alongside her sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley, she formed the Darling Sisters, later known as the Ronettes. Their iconic look, fashioned by Estelle, accompanied their performances at school events and a residency at the Peppermint Lounge, leading to local popularity.

In 1963, the Ronettes caught the attention of renowned producer Phil Spector, signing with Philles Records. Under Spector's guidance, they achieved chart success with their biggest hit, "Be My Baby," followed by several top 40 pop hits. However, after a European tour in 1967, the Ronettes disbanded.

Ronnie Spector faced challenges after marrying Phil Spector in 1968, experiencing restrictions on her ability to perform and record. Despite efforts, many unreleased songs remained in Phil Spector's vault for years. Ronnie's debut solo single, "Try Some, Buy Some," produced by George Harrison, had notable impacts, influencing John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" and being featured in Harrison's album.

After parting ways with Phil Spector in 1972, Ronnie reassembled the Ronettes in 1973, releasing singles on Buddah Records. However, mainstream success proved elusive. Her collaboration with Southside Johnny in 1976 marked a milestone, and the '80s saw a resurgence with her featured vocals on Eddie Money's hit "Take Me Home Tonight."

Ronnie faced legal battles, filing a lawsuit against Phil Spector for unpaid royalties in 1988. In 2001, a court ruled in favor of the Ronettes, though the decision was partially overturned in 2002. Ronnie Spector continued her career, releasing solo works, contributing to projects like The Misfits' album, and being inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.

Throughout the years, Ronnie released new material, including the album "English Heart" in 2016. In 2018, she appeared in the documentary "Amy Winehouse: Back to Black" and received recognition for her influence on Winehouse's style. Plans for a biopic based on her memoir were announced in 2020, with Zendaya set to portray Ronnie. In December 2021, the Ronettes returned to the Top 10 with their 1963 recording of "Sleigh Ride." Following Ronnie Spector's death in January 2022, a compilation tribute titled "Ronnie Spector at the BBC" was broadcast by the BBC, celebrating her enduring impact on the music industry.

References;

1.  "1 No. 114: Ronnie Greenfield, et al. V. Philles Records, Inc., et al". October 17, 2002.
2. Donovan, Patrick (April 12, 2006). "The Last of the Rock Stars". The Age. Australia.
3. "The Ronettes – Inductees". The Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation. 2004. Archived from the original on March 20, 2007.
4. Cateforis, Theo (2013). The Rock History Reader. Routledge. p. 43. ISBN 9780415892124. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
5. "The Ronettes". Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
6. "The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time". Rolling Stone. January 1, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
7. Mackin, Jim (November 24, 2020). Notable New Yorkers of Manhattan's Upper West Side: Bloomingdale–Morningside Heights. Fordham Univ Press. p. 88. ISBN 978-0-8232-8931-8.
8. Sisario, Ben; Coscarelli, Joe (January 12, 2022). "Ronnie Spector, Who Brought Edge to Girl-Group Sound, Dies at 78". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
9. "Ronnie Spector obituary". The Guardian. January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
10. Jamieson, Teddy (January 20, 2019). "Ronnie Spector on John Lennon, Phil Spector and loving life at 75". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
11. Sisario, Ben (February 16, 2009). "A Life of Troubles Followed a Singer's Burst of Fame". The New York Times. Retrieved April 11, 2013.