Ronnie Spector tributes: Ronettes icon dies age 78 after cancer battle – exactly one year after death of ex-husband Phil
RONNIE Spector has died at the age of 78 her family have revealed.
The Ronettes legend was an extraordinary singer best known around the world for hits including "Be My Baby".
Spector was lead singer in the girl group, which formed in the early 1960s and also celebrated hits like “Baby I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain.”
She also married svengali producer Phil Spector in 1968, suffering years of abuse and death threats before eventually escaping their mansion in 1972 in a barefoot dash with the help of her mother.
When Spector – who was later convicted of murder – died in January 2021 age 81, Ronnie said "He was a brilliant producer, but a lousy husband".
Ronnie's family yesterday released a statement announcing her death, saying she had a brief battle with cancer but no other details were revealed.
Read our Ronnie Spector live blog below for the latest news…
- Milica Cosic
'Sing in power forever Ronnie'
Songwriter Diane Warren, who had been working with Spector on a planned biopic, wrote on Instagram: "Ronnie Spector was the voice of a million teenage dreams including mine. The voice that turned pop songs into pop symphonies.
"There are just too many greats leaving us right now. Sing in power forever Ronnie. Make the angels feel like teenagers again."
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- Milica Cosic
'She was the most happiest on stage'
Tributes to the star have flooded in since her death was announced on Wednesday night.
"She had the most unique voice," said her friend and Crystals singer, La La Brooks and continued to say that: "Fans should know, when Ronnie hit the stage, she was the most happiest."
- Milica Cosic
The Ronettes song made it to UK's top five
The huge sound of Be My Baby stopped other musicians in their tracks.
The group's only album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica, was released in 1964 by Philles Records.
It contained standards like Chapel of Love, I Wonder and a cover of Ray Charles' What'd I Say; and five of its 12 songs have made it to the US Billboard charts.
Be My Baby also made the UK's top five, and Spector's vocal style influenced everyone from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles.
- Milica Cosic
The Ronettes' paved the way for future female musical artists
The Ronettes' bad-girl personas are credited with paving the way for future female musical artists.
"We weren't afraid to be hot. That was our gimmick," Spector wrote in her memoir in 2004, titled Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness.
"When we saw The Shirelles walk on stage with their wide party dresses, we went in the opposite direction and squeezed our bodies into the tightest skirts we could find. Then we'd get out on stage and hike them up to show our legs even more."
- Milica Cosic
The Ronettes' paved the way for future female musical artists
The Ronettes' bad-girl personas are credited with paving the way for future female musical artists.
"We weren't afraid to be hot. That was our gimmick," Spector wrote in her memoir in 2004, titled Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness.
"When we saw The Shirelles walk on stage with their wide party dresses, we went in the opposite direction and squeezed our bodies into the tightest skirts we could find. Then we'd get out on stage and hike them up to show our legs even more."
- Milica Cosic
Statement from her family
A statement from her family said she passed away at age 78 "after a brief battle with cancer".
"Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humour and a smile on her face," the statement said.
"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."
- Milica Cosic
'Spector’s voice ringing out into the universe forever’
On the day of her death people took to Twitter to express their grief and memories of the artist.
“I like to think about Ronnie Spector’s voice ringing out into the universe forever,” one user wrote.
“Very sad to hear that the sensational and unique Ronnie Spector has left this world. She sang on some of the most magical pop tracks ever made,” another user tweeted.
- Milica Cosic
Family ask for ‘donations to be made to your local women’s shelter’
The Family’s statement continued by saying “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.”
- Milica Cosic
Ronnie on ex husband living a life behind bars
In 2009, Spector was convicted of murdering 40-year-old US actress and model Lana Clarkson. She was shot in the mansion Ronnie had been convinced she would die in.
Asked about Spector living a life behind bars — before he died last year, age 81 — she said: “It feels wonderful.
"The more he tried to destroy me, the stronger I got. It made me think: ‘How dare you, you don’t own me.’”
- Milica Cosic
Zendaya pays heartfelt tribute to late Ronnie Spector
Popular American actress Zendaya turned to her social media and pennedan emotional tribute to Ronnie Spector today.
Taking to her Instagram she wrote: "This news just breaks my heart. To speak about her as if she’s not with us feels strange as she is so incredibly full of life.
“There’s not a time I saw her without her iconic red lips and full teased hair, a true rockstar through and through,” said the 25-year-old actress, who also expressed how grateful she was to have had the opportunity to know the Walking In the Rain singer.
“Ronnie, being able to know you has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” she continued. “Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours. Thank you for your unmeasured talent, your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace.”
She further added, “There is absolutely nothing that could dim the light you cast. I admire you so much and am so grateful for the bond we share. You are a magical force of greatness and the world of music will never be the same.”
Zendaya concluded her note by saying that she wished everyone could have gotten the chance to know Spector before she lost her battle to cancer. The actress also expressed hopes her portrayal of the ’60s rocker does Spector “proud.”
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- Milica Cosic
When did Ronnie Spectors ex-husband Phil Spector die?
His daughter, Nicole Audrey Spector, told The New York Times that he died of complications from Covid-19.
She told the outlet her father was taken to San Joaquin General Hospital on New Year’s Eve and was intubated in January 2021.
Sources told TMZ the jailed producer died of Covid complications.
However, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said the cause of death is under investigation.
Spector had been serving a 19-year-to-life sentence in prison for the murder of Lana Clarkson.
The CDCR said in a statement: “California Health Care Facility inmate Phillip Spector, 80, was pronounced deceased of natural causes at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at an outside hospital.”
- Milica Cosic
'Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye'
Her family said in a statement announcing her death that she had a brief battle with cancer but no other details were revealed.
“Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor, and a smile on her face,” her family said.
“She was filled with love and gratitude.”
- Louis Allwood
How did Ronnie react to Phil Spector's death?
In a tribute posted on Instagram, Bennett said: "It’s a sad day for music and a sad day for me.
"When I was working with Phil Spector, watching him create in the recording studio, I knew I was working with the very best.
"He was in complete control, directing everyone. So much to love about those days."
- Louis Allwood
Family ask for 'donations to be made to your local women's shelter'
The Family's statement continued by saying "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."
- Louis Allwood
Ronnie Spector described as 'one of the great voices'
One user took to Twitter to say "RIP A wonderful woman. One of THE great voices of our time."
Another said, "Very sad to hear that the sensational and unique Ronnie Spector has left this world. She sang on some of the most magical pop tracks ever made."
- Louis Allwood
When did Ronnie Spectors ex-husband Phil Spector die?
His daughter, Nicole Audrey Spector, told The New York Times that he died of complications from Covid-19.
She told the outlet her father was taken to San Joaquin General Hospital on New Year's Eve and was intubated in January 2021.
Sources told TMZ the jailed producer died of Covid complications.
However, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said the cause of death is under investigation.
Spector had been serving a 19-year-to-life sentence in prison for the murder of Lana Clarkson.
The CDCR said in a statement: "California Health Care Facility inmate Phillip Spector, 80, was pronounced deceased of natural causes at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at an outside hospital."
- Louis Allwood
Twitter has become flooded with tributes
Many users have taken to Twitter to share their condolences and reflect on the amazing career of Ronnie Spector.
One user said "Ronnie spector’s sensibilities and sound changed the world forever. may this icon rest in peace. may we lift her memory up."
Another wrote "Ronnie Spector's voice was EXTRAORDINARY and ICONIC."
- Louis Allwood
The group split in 1967
Ronnie Spector's real name was Veronica Yvette Bennett, and she formed The Ronettes with her sister Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley.
Once they had signed a record deal, the successful hits flooded in but the group broke up in 1967.
Ronnie went on to begin her solo career and released 5 studio albums.
- Louis Allwood
'Sensational and unique Ronnie Spector'
On the day of her death people took to Twitter to express their grief and memories of the artist.
"I like to think about Ronnie Spector's voice ringing out into the universe forever," one user wrote.
"Very sad to hear that the sensational and unique Ronnie Spector has left this world. She sang on some of the most magical pop tracks ever made," another user tweeted.
- Louis Allwood
The groups early years
They were signed to Phillies Records in 1963, first acting as backup for other groups.
That was until Phil Spector had the group record “Be My Baby” and “Baby I Love You.”
The Ronettes' first album “Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica" was released in 1964.
Five of its tracks made it to the US Billboard charts.
“Nothing excites me more than just being onstage, having fun and flirting and winking to the guys and stuff like that,” Spector told People Magazine in 2017.
“I just have so much fun. It’s just the best feeling when I go out and they say, 'Ladies and gentlemen…' —my heart stops for a minute—'…Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes!'
"Then I just go out there and the crowd reacts the way they react and I can go on singing forever.”
- Louis Allwood
When was she married to Phil Spector?
During his marriage with his first wife Annette Merar, Spector was allegedly having an affair with Ronnie Bennett.
Spector divorced Merar in 1966 and married Ronnie in 1968.
The Ronettes singer took his name and was known as Ronnie Spector.
She alleged in her memoir Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts And Madness that Spector controlled her every move and subjected her to emotional distress while married.
The pair divorced in 1974, with Ronnie reportedly forfeiting all future record earnings because she alleged that Spector threatened her with a “hitman”.
After news of his death broke, she posted on Instagram: "It’s a sad day for music and a sad day for me.
- Louis Allwood
How did Ronnie Spector die?
On January 12, 2022, Ronnie Spector's family released a statement through her official website, which announced her death.
“Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor, and a smile on her face," her family said.
The statement also read: "She was filled with love and gratitude."
In the website's message, Ronnie's cause of death was attributed to "a brief battle with cancer."
They continued: "A celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the future."
"The family respectfully asks for privacy at this time," the family's statement concluded.
- Louis Allwood
Was Ronnie Spector married and did she have children?
Ronnie Spector had a total of five children with two different men.
She had a total of three children with ex-husband Phil Spector.
Ronnie went on to have another two children with her second husband Jonathan Greenfield.
Her children include Donte Phillip Spector, Gary Phillip Spector, Louis Phillip Spector, Jason Charles Greenfield, and Austin Drew Greenfield.
- Louis Allwood
Who was Ronnie Spector?
Veronica "Ronnie" Spector was born in Spanish Harlem, New York on August 10, 1943.
Ronnie and her older sister Estelle, along with their cousin Nedra Talley, formed the Ronettes.
The Ronettes were signed to Philles Records by famed producer, Phil Spector.
They had a parade of hits in the 1960s including Be My Baby, Baby I Love You, Walking in the Rain, and The Best Part of Breakin' Up.
- Louis Allwood
"We had to make an impression with our style"
Born Veronica Bennett, Spector grew up in Manhattan and began singing and dancing in clubs as Ronnie and the Relatives.
They became known for their heavy use of eyeliner and mascara.
“The louder they applauded, the more mascara we put on the next time,” she said in her memoir.
“We didn’t have a hit record to grab their attention, so we had to make an impression with our style. None of it was planned out; we just took the look we were born with and extended it.”
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