Ronnie Spector Tribute 

1960’s icon Ronnie Spector has died at the age of 78. The beloved “Be My Baby” singer passed on after a brief battle with cancer with loved ones by her side. Her family remembers Spector as a woman “who lived her life with a twinkle in her eye… She was filled with love and gratitude.”  The legendary singer made great contributions to the music industry. 

The Ronettes

Finding early success in New York , Ronnie Spector signed to Philles Records with her bandmates in 1963. In the coming years The Ronettes released hits “Be My Baby” (1963), “Baby, I Love You” (1963), “The Best Part of Breakin’ Up” (1964), “Do I Love You” (1964) and “Walking in the Rain” (1964). The Ronettes topped the Billboard 100 with songs “Born to Be Together” and “Is This What I Get for Loving You?.” This girl group reached fame to the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 by their dear friend, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.

Solo Career

Spector continued to release solo efforts including “Try Some/Buy Some” throughout the 1970’s.  This song was written by George Harrison of The Beatles. The strengh of the song is proven since covers were recorded by Harrison as well as David Bowie. The song was recorded at Apple Studios and produced by Phil Spector. By the 1980s, Spector was singing on the radio on Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight.” In 2016 she released her first album of new material in a decade. English Heart peaked at number six in the Billboard Top Heartseekers chart. 

Ronnie Spector’s music lives on as her influence on pop music is undeniable. In lieu of flowers, she asks that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College fund. To learn more about Ronnie Spector read her memoir, “Be My Baby: The Autobiography of Ronnie Spector.”