Representative Albums: "The Best of the Ronettes," "The Ronettes: The Early Years," "Greatest Hits"
Representative Songs: "Be My Baby," "Walking in the Rain," "Baby I Love You"
Biography
The Ronettes weren't the most commercially successful girl group, but their music was some of the most groundbreaking in the field, thanks to their association with the legendary Wall of Sound producer Phil Spector. Their biggest hit, "Be My Baby," is widely regarded as one of the crowning achievements of Spector's oeuvre, and of girl-group pop in general. In fact, many critics have deemed it one of the most supremely romantic records of the rock & roll era; Spector's production frames the song's yearning lyrics and Ronnie Bennett's sweetly sultry vocals in a sweeping, near-symphonic level of emotion. Even though the Ronettes never managed another hit as big as "Be My Baby," many of their subsequent singles boasted the same kind of creative synergy between Spector and Bennett. It apparently carried over into real life as well, since the two were married in 1968, not long after Bennett went solo. Unfortunately, the union was an unhappy one, as Spector soon turned reclusive and controlling, largely preventing her from recording (or even leaving the house). After their divorce, she recorded sporadically without much success, but became something of a female rock icon when she published her survivor's-tale autobiography.
The Ronettes were formed in the Washington Heights/Spanish Harlem area of New York City. Sisters Veronica (aka Ronnie) and Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley first started harmonizing together as teenagers in 1959, inspired by doo wop groups like Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers and Little Anthony & the Imperials. First calling themselves the Darling Sisters, the trio also worked on their dance moves, and won the famed amateur talent contest at the Apollo Theater; afterward, they began formal vocal training. In 1961, they were standing in line to get into the Peppermint Lounge -- epicenter of the twist dance craze -- when a manager mistook them for an act he'd booked. They performed to great response, and were quickly hired as regulars. Later that year, they appeared in the film Twist Around the Clock, and danced in shows staged by disc jockey Murray the K. They also got a record deal with the Colpix label, issuing their debut single "I Want a Boy" as Ronnie & the Relatives that year. Follow-up singles credited the group as the Ronettes, including "I'm on the Wagon," "Silhouettes," and "Good Girls," but none were anything more than regionally popular.
The Ronettes caught their big break when they met Phil Spector, who saw in them talent he could mold to his specifications; he was already tiring of his association with the Crystals, substituting outside singer Darlene Love on several records credited to them. Spector signed the Ronettes to his Philles label, where they were given a more defined image than most female artists of the time. They were still sweet and feminine, to be sure, but they had hints of attitude -- they were photographed with tall hairdos, heavy eyeliner, and tight skirts. Moreover, their songs dared to address the objects of their affection directly ("I love you" as opposed to "I love him"), even -- on a subliminal level -- seductively. Spector lavished all his attention on his new protégées, collaborating on material with some of the top Brill Building songwriting teams. Their first Philles single was "Be My Baby," a tune Spector co-wrote with Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich especially as a showcase for Ronnie Bennett. Right from the often-imitated drum kick that opened the song, "Be My Baby" announced itself as a pop classic; Spector's lush arrangement seemed to echo into infinity, while Bennett's sweet vulnerability captured the hearts of enough teenage male listeners to send the song to number two on the pop charts and number four R&B. It also became the all-time favorite record of Beach Boy Brian Wilson, who was directly inspired to emulate Spector's arsenal of production innovations; he also penned "Don't Worry Baby" for the Ronettes in tribute, but when Spector refused the song, the Beach Boys recorded it themselves for a hit.
None of the Ronettes' other singles even managed to make the Top 20, but they continued to turn out high-quality work over the next two years. Their next hit, 1964's "Baby, I Love You," featured Leon Russell as the session pianist, as well as backup vocal support from Darlene Love and a young Cher. Subsequent singles like "(The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up," "Do I Love You?," "Walking in the Rain," and "Is This What I Get for Loving You?" still rank as all-time girl-group classics; "Walking in the Rain" went on to win a Grammy for Best Sound Effects, the only one Spector ever received. Meanwhile, Spector was testing the waters for Bennett as a solo artist; she recorded a song under the name Veronica, "So Young," which nonetheless included backup harmonies by the other two Ronettes (it was withdrawn not long after release).
With his attention consumed by Tina Turner in early 1966, Spector put the Ronettes on the back burner; one of his final sides with the group, the lovely "I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine," was never even released. Jeff Barry produced the final Ronettes single for Philles, "I Can Hear Music," in late 1966. Shattered by the cool reception afforded his magnum opus, the Ike & Tina Turner single "River Deep-Mountain High," Spector soon shut down the Philles label, and the Ronettes disbanded. Spector left his wife to marry Bennett in 1968, and the two lived together in Spector's L.A. mansion. However, his behavior grew increasingly erratic and controlling. In spite of Ronnie's ambitions for a solo career, Spector took pains to ensure that she remained at home -- not just refusing to book recording sessions, but not even allowing her to leave the house without his permission. He became psychologically abusive, allegedly threatening to kill her, monitoring her phone calls, and forbidding her to read books or see friends. When the couple failed to conceive children, Spector adopted three -- the last two without even consulting his wife -- which ensured that she was kept busy at home. Even amid all of this, two singles made their way to release -- 1969's aptly titled "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" (which was credited to the Ronettes Featuring the Voice of Veronica), and 1971's "Try Some, Buy Some," issued on the Beatles' Apple label.
Ronnie left her husband in 1973, and their divorce was finalized the following year; reportedly, Spector made a substantial alimony payment by sending Ronnie a truckload of dimes. Nonetheless, Ronnie kept his last name, and formed a new version of the Ronettes with Denise Edwards and Chip Fields; they recorded a couple of singles for Buddah over 1973-1974, but none charted. Ronnie Spector released several solo records during the late '70s without much success; she did return to the spotlight as a guest vocalist on rocker Eddie Money's Top Five hit "Take Me Home Tonight" in 1986. Two years later, on the heels of a "Be My Baby" revival in the film Dirty Dancing, the three original Ronettes sued Spector for nonpayment of royalties; the case dragged on for years and years. In 1990, Ronnie published her autobiography Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness; the book was a sensation thanks to its detailed account of her bizarre relationship with Spector, though she maintained that she had been genuinely in love with him at the start, and that he was never physically abusive to her. In late 2001, a New York court announced a verdict in favor of the Ronettes, ordering Spector to pay nearly three million dollars in back royalties; the judgment was later overturned on appeal, but part of the case was sent back to a lower court, renewing the group's hopes. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
Sisters Estelle (1941-2009) and Veronica Bennett (born 1943), and their cousin Nedra Talley (born 1946), began singing together as teenagers Washington Heights, Manhattan. The three of them grew up listening to rock and pop; Ronnie especially liked Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers while Nedra enjoyed Rosemary Clooney. [2] At a young age, their grandmother would put the three of them in a room and encourage them to harmonize. They became proficient in songs such as “Goodnight Sweetheart” and “Red Red Robin.” [3] Their grandmother entered them into a talent show at the Apollo Theatre in 1959 as The Darling Sisters which they won. Phillip Halikus, who was to become their manager, saw their potential and promoted the groups early appearances at hops and charity shows. [1]
The Ronettes first showed up in 1961 during the twist era. They started off as dancers at Joey Dee’s Peppermint Loungeon New York’s 45th Street, and one night while waiting in line to perform, the manager mistook them for a singing trio that had not arrived and were ushered on stage. After performing Ray Charles’ "What'd I Say", they became wildly popular and were signed to appear regularly for $10 a night.[4] The Ronettes, then still The Darling Sisters, were also booked at the Miami Peppermint Lounge, where they were spotted by disc jockey Murray the K who hired them as Murray the K's dancing girls for his Brooklyn Fox Shows. They also were hired for Clay Cole's "Twist-o-rama" tour during this period.[5] Phillip Halikus was able to pick up a record deal with Colpix through Stu Phillips. The groups first four singles had little success. [6] They released their first single during the summer of 1961, "I want a Boy", with their new Colpix given name, Ronnie and the Relatives. Their next single with Colpix had the girls listed as The Ronettes and was titled "I'm on a Wagon" but went unreleased. That same year they also released a song called "Good Girls" arranged by Bert Keyes, and it showed their developing sound and growing maturity. [7] They also worked as backing singers for Bobby Rydell, Del Shannon, and Joey Dee.[8] After being renamed The Ronettes, they issued several more singles with Colpix and recorded an album, unissued at the time, but had little early commercial success. [1][9]
In 1963 they came to the attention of producer Phil Spector, who was looking for a new girl group to assume The Crystals' mantle. He was taken with Ronnie's voice and style, and signed The Ronettes to his Philles label. Spector initially wanted to sign Ronnie Bennett as a solo artist, but when the three girls refused to be broken up, Spector signed them all. [10] The Ronettes started off as backup singers to other Spector productions such as Bob B. Soxx, Blue Jeans, and Darlene Love. [11]As Spector's new protégées, they had the image of the first “bad girls of rock and roll” [12] with beehive hairdos, heavy eyeliner, and tight skirts. Their songs were addressed directly to their subjects giving them a more seductive manner, using lyrics such as “I love you” instead of “I love him.” [13]
Their first Philles single was "Be My Baby," co-written by Spector with Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, and arranged and produced by Spector. Phil Spector produced “Be My Baby” integrating castanets, maracas, and Hal Blaine drum work into his "Wall of Sound" technique. [14] It became a worldwide hit, reaching #2 on the U.S. pop chart, #4 on the R&B chart, and #4 on the UK chart and sold over 2 million copies[15]. Brian Wilson, leader and songwriter of the Beach Boys, claims that “Be My Baby” is “my all-time favorite song. . . . . It blew my mind.”[16] and wrote “Don’t Worry Baby” for the Ronettes as a tribute. Phil Spector rejected the songs for the Ronettes however, and the Beach Boys ended it recording it and it ended up as a hit reaching 24 on the US hot 100 [17] In 1964 Spector began managing the group as well as being their producer. After their initial successful single, none of the Ronettes’ other singles ever made it into the top 20 in the US, [18] but from September 1963 through December 1964, the Ronettes placed five singles in the Top 40. [19]
The follow-up, "Baby, I Love You," had an even denser arrangement, featuring Leon Russell on piano and backing vocals from Darlene Love and Cher, among others. It was slightly less successful, reaching #24 in the United States and #11 in the United Kingdom. [1][9] On Phil Spector’s “A Christmas Gift for You” Christmas album, The Ronettes recorded “Sleigh Ride”, “I Saw Mommy kissing Santa,” and “Frosty the Snowman”.
Early in 1964 The Ronettes toured England with The Rolling Stones and were introduced to The Beatles. They continued to have hits with "The Best Part of Breaking Up" (#39 U.S., #43 UK), "Do I Love You?" (#34 U.S., #35 UK), and "(Walking) In the Rain" (#23 U.S.), which won a Grammy for Best Sound Effects, the only Grammy Spector ever received. However, their album "Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes featuring Veronica" only reached #96, and other singles were less successful; musical tastes had moved beyond the girl group sound, and the Ronettes were unable to maintain their relevance. “I wish I never saw the Sunshine” was one of the final songs that Spector produced for the Ronettes and was never released as his attention was turned to his productions for Tina Turner in 1966. [20] Phil Spector was very possessive of The Ronettes, especially towards Ronnie. In 1966 when the Ronettes were set to open for the Beatles on tour, Spector made Ronnie stay at home while a cousin took her place on the tour instead. [21] Jeff Barry produced the last song of the Ronettes under the Philles label, “I can Hear Music”.[22] After the success of the Ike & Tina Turner song “River deep-Mountain High”, Spector soon shut down the Philles label and the Ronettes disbanded.[23] Their influence on music was apparent however, as stars such as Billy Joel (who wrote “say goodbye to Hollywood”)and Bruce Springstein both cite Ronnie Bennett as an influence. [24]
Later events
Nedra Talley married a New York City radio station programming director Scott Ross while Estelle Bennett had married road manager Joe Dong.[25] In 1968, Ronnie Bennett married Phil Spector and retired from performance for several years under his oppressing control. In 1971, under Spector's direction, Ronnie recorded "Try Some, Buy Some" for the Beatles' Apple label. It became a minor hit, reaching #77 in the spring of 1971. [1]
In 1973, as she and Spector were about to divorce, she returned to performing at Richard Nader's "Rock and Roll Revival" show at Madison Square Garden. Her new version of The Ronettes at that time included Denise Edwards and Chip Fields. During this time, the group issued two singles on the Buddha label. Ronnie would later record and perform as a solo act, scoring a Top 10 hit with Eddie Money in 1986, "Take Me Home Tonight".
In 1988, the original Ronettes sued Spector for nonpayment of royalties. In 2001, a New York court announced a verdict in favor of The Ronettes, ordering Spector to pay nearly three million dollars in back royalties; however, the judgment was later overturned on appeal.[1]
It was believed[by whom?] that Phil Spector, in his capacity as a member of the Board of Governors, deliberately prevented The Ronettes (and Darlene Love) from being nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although they had been eligible for a considerable period. The alleged reasons included the acrimonious divorce of Ronnie and Spector, in addition to the group having unsuccessfully sued Spector for back royalties. While Spector was awaiting trial on a murder charge and out on $1 million bail, the Ronettes were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a March 12, 2007, ceremony held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Keith Richards, a self-confessed longtime fan, inducted the trio. Ronnie Bennett (Spector) and Nedra Talley performed "Baby I Love You," "(Walking) In the Rain," and "Be My Baby." Estelle Bennett was present to accept her award but chose not to perform.
The Ronettes featuring Veronica (1965, Colpix Records)
Compilations
1963 Today's Hits Phillies
1965 The Ronettes: The Early Years Rhino
1967 Cha Cha Cha Roper
1975 Sing Their Greatest Hits Phil Spector
1981 The Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Masters
1990 Greatest Hits Spectacular Sound
1992 Best of the Ronettes EMI
1992 The Best of the Ronettes ABKCO
2005 Ronettes Featuring Veronica EMI Gold
2005 Silhouettes Collectables
The Complete Colpix & Buddha Sessions Sequel
Pop references
Ronnette is the name of one of the girl group-inspired street urchin characters in the musical Little Shop of Horrors, along with Chiffon and Crystal.
Ronnie Spector accompanied Eddie Money on the 1986 hit song "Take Me Home Tonight". She sang the title line from "Be My Baby" and is also name-checked in the song's lyrics.
Austin, Texas pop band The Sour Notes have been known to cover The Ronettes' song 'When I Saw You' during live performance and cite them as a major influence.
In an interview, the Danish band The Raveonettes stated that their name is "a complete direct reference to The Ronettes and Buddy HollyRave On!."[27] They invited Ronnie Spector to sing with them on their third album Pretty in Black, on a song named Ode to L.A..
In the anime TV series, Monster; the character "The baby" is an adept fan of "Be my baby".
