Veronica Yvette Bennett, also known as Ronnie Spector, was born in Manhattan, New York City, on August 10, 1943. She was an American vocalist who co-founded the Ronettes with her older sister, Estelle Bennett, and cousin, Nedra Talley, in 1957. Bennett was the group’s lead singer, and Phil Spector produced most of their recordings.

Career

Bennett sang lead on the Ronettes’ singles “Baby I Love You, “Walking in the Rain,” “Walking in the Rain,” and “Be My Baby.” In 1964, with “So Young,” she debuted her solo career. Siren, Unfinished Business, something’s Gonna Happen, Last of the Rock Stars, and English Heart, her five studio albums were published after 1980. 

Bennett also recorded She Talks to Rainbows, an extended play (1999). When she was performing on Eddie Money’s song “Take Me Home Tonight” in 1986, her career was reborn.

Bennett was dubbed the “bad girl of rock and roll” by some. Her biography, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Madness, and Miniskirts, Or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette, was released in 1990. As a part of the Ronettes, she was enrolled in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Personal Life & Death

Bennett began having an affair with Phil Spector shortly after signing his label in 1963. On April 14, 1968, they married at Beverly Hills City Hall. Bennett changed her surname to Ronnie Spector and became known as Ronnie Bennett. In 1969, their son Donté Phillip was adopted.

Phil surprised her with adopted twins Gary and Louis for Christmas two years later.

After Phil, Spector married Jonathan Greenfield, her manager, in 1982. Their two sons, Jason Charles and Austin Drew lived with them in Danbury, Connecticut.

At 78, on January 12, 2022, Spector died because of cancer.