Ronnie Spector was an American singer who is best known for her work as the lead vocalist of the rock/pop girl group The Ronettes, with hits like “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You,” and “The Best Part of Breakin’ Up.” She had a successful solo career later and was celebrated for her unique voice and style.
Personal and Family Life
Ronnie Spector, born Veronica Yvette Bennett on August 10, 1943, grew up in Harlem, New York City. She had a close-knit family, with her parents Beatrice Mobley and Louis Albert Bennett supporting her musical ambitions. She married Phil Spector in 1968 but divorced in 1974, and later married Jonathan Greenfield in 1982, with whom she had two children.
Career Highlights
Ronnie Spector rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Ronettes, a group known for their energetic performances and memorable songs. After the group disbanded, she launched a solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with various artists. Her song “Take Me Home Tonight” with Eddie Money in 1986 marked a significant resurgence in her career.
Death and Legacy
Ronnie Spector passed away on January 12, 2022, in Danbury, Connecticut, after a battle with cancer. Her contributions to music have left a lasting legacy, inspiring countless artists, including Amy Winehouse, who was influenced by Ronnie’s work. Spector was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, solidifying her place in music history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Agony and Ecstasy of Phil Spector | 2008-10-25 | Self |
| Brian Wilson: On Tour | 2003-03-17 | Self |
| My Music: A Classic Christmas | 2019-11-16 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Big T.N.T. Show | 1966-01-07 | Self (as the Ronettes) |
| Classic Albums: Amy Winehouse – Back to Black | 2018-09-14 | Self |
| Ronnie Spector at the BBC | 2022-01-14 | Self (archive footage) |
| Howard | 2018-04-22 | Self (archive footage) |
| The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll | 1995-03-06 | Self |
| Phil Spector: He’s a Rebel | 1982-01-01 | |
| Classic Albums | 1997-04-14 | Self |
| The Midnight Special | 1972-08-19 | Self (as The Ronettes) |