Posted on 02/14/2009 8:29:10 PM PST by PghBaldy
Estelle Bennett, former singer with the Ronettes and sister of Ronnie Spector, has died aged 67.
As a member of the Ronettes, Estelle sang backing vocals on the 1963 hit Be My Baby, considered by many, including the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, to be the greatest pop song of all time. The song was written by Phil Spector (with Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich), whose work with the group helped forge his trademark "wall of sound" technique. Spector went on to marry Ronnie, but the marriage ended in divorce and the Ronettes launched an unsuccessful case to sue Spector over unpaid royalties.
The Ronettes – whose lineup consisted of sisters Estelle and Ronnie, along with their cousin Nedra Talley – formed in 1959, going on to record a string of hit singles including Baby I Love You, Walkin' In the Rain and (The Best Part of) Breakin' Up. The group split in 1966, after which Estelle remained mostly out of the spotlight.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
It was a great time to be a teenager.
Along with just about everyone Spector came in contact with in the music business.
The Ronettes were one of the best. RIP.
On the bright side, Phil Spector didn’t kill any of them (although he was known to force acts to record at gunpoint).
Prayers for Estelle Bennett, I loved the Ronettes music when I was younger. My sister would be getting ready for a date & sing the songs with me.
I’, with you, prayers for Estelle. If you read the whole story, it doesn’t sound pretty.
Rest In Peace Estelle, and thank you for the music; prayers for her loved ones.
No it doesn’t. I don’t think Ronnie had an easy life either. Their music sure does bring back memories for me. My sister died Dec 12th.
You might want to check out this movie. It’s a thinly disguised bio of Carole King. Main emphasis on her time working with Phil Spector and a Ronettes type group and at the Brill Building.
Grace of My Heart
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116442/
Thanks. I’ve seen “Grace” a few times.
I remember seeing them when I was in college. All threer were very HOT!~! Sang well in a live setting too.
Yep, it didn’t get much hotter than that.
Great photo!
Back in ‘63 I was a 14 year old kid who babysat many little kids in my neighborhood. While at their homes, I’d turn up the hi-fi and dance around with them to tunes like Be My Baby = loved that song.
So sad about Estelle -— RIP
RIP Estelle!
Spector once said “God is a 16 year old black girl who can sing!”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.