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Ronnie, Estelle and Nedra the three young women from Washington Heights, NY formed an amazing “girl group” that set the standard for the genre. THE RONETTES were unique and had the most distinctive sound (and look).
They began singing together as teenagers and were called “The Darling Sisters”. The sisters started their journey at their grandmother’s house where they developed that sound. They performed for their family under the strict eye of grandma.
In 1963 the girls auditioned for legendary producer Phil Spector. Impressed by their talent, Spector signed them to his Philles Records label, and they officially became “The Ronettes”. Under Spector’s guidance, the group developed their signature look, featuring beehive hairdos and heavy makeup, which became emblematic of the girl group era. Young girls wanted to be a “Ronette” and the boys – found them tough and sexy.
Radio – we loved them, they had that Phil Spector “Wall of Sound” and they looked so good.
The Ronettes achieved their breakthrough with the release of “Be My Baby” in 1963, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was followed by other hits like “Baby, I Love You,” “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up,” and “Walking in the Rain”. They toured with the Beatles in 1966, being the only girl group to do so.
Despite their relatively short career, (disbanding in 1967), they left us with an indelible legacy .
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Unfortunately we lost dear Ronnie Spector in 2022 and her sister Estelle Bennett in 2009. One original Ronette is happily still with us. Join the Cuz and let’s welcome Nedra
Talley to MusicRadio WABC this Saturday 9/28/24.
