In the 1960s, Ronnie Spector and her singing group, the Ronettes, became the most famous example of controversial producer Phil Spector’s groundbreaking wall-of-sound recording techniques.
The group rose to fame thanks to unforgettable songs such as “The Best Part of Breakin’ Up,” “I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine” and “Be My Baby.”
Many groups imitated the band’s sound, and Spector’s recording techniques, but none could match the magic of that group.
Spector’s famous wall of sound got a little quieter on February 11, 2009 with the passing of Ronnie’s sister, 67-year-old Ronettes singer Estelle Bennett. Estelle was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Ronettes in 2007. She was one of the original members of the band when it formed, along with Ronnie and a cousin, Nedra Talley.
The hugely popular girl group’s distinctive sound and image as tough girls with bee-hive hairdos paved the way for countless performers, and provided the basis for the retro sounds and styles currently being peddled by popular performers such as Amy Winehouse and Duffy.
What’s your favorite Ronettes song?
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