The Ronettes

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The Ronettes' first album

The Ronettes were a girl group of the 1960s from New York City, best known for their work with producer Phil Spector. They consisted of lead singer Veronica Bennett (a.k.a. Ronnie Spector), her sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley. Their most famous songs include "Be My Baby", "Baby I Love You", and "Walking in the Rain." After a hiatus in the middle of the 60s, the Ronettes (and Spector) re-emerged without much of a popular reaction; musical tastes had moved beyond the girl group sound, and the Ronettes were unable to maintain their relevance. They disbanded in 1966.

Ronnie Spector married Phil Spector in 1968, then launched a solo career after divorcing him in 1973.

[edit] Awards & Recognition

The Ronettes were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.

It was believed 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 dollars bail, the Ronettes were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the March 12, 2007 induction 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 did not perform.

[edit] Trivia

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.