The Ronettes. Dan J. Harkey

Here’s the story of one of the most iconic girl groups of the 1960s:

The Ronettes began as a family act in Washington Heights, Manhattan, called initially The Darling Sisters.
Members: Veronica “Ronnie” Bennett (later Ronnie Spector), her sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley.
They grew up singing at family gatherings and later performed at the Peppermint Lounge, a hotspot for the twist dance craze.
Initially signed to Colpix Records as Ronnie and the Relatives, they recorded singles that didn’t chart nationally.

In 1963, they teamed up with producer Phil Spector, who transformed their image with beehive hairdos and dramatic makeup, and applied his famous “Wall of Sound” production style. This technique involved layering multiple instruments and vocal tracks to create a dense, orchestral sound.
Their first major hit, “Be My Baby” (1963), reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining song of the girl-group era, influencing countless artists and remaining a staple of pop culture.
Other hits included “Baby, I Love You,” “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up,” and “Walking in the Rain.”
In 1964, they released their only studio album: Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica.

The Ronettes toured internationally, opening for The Rolling Stones in the UK (1964) and becoming the only girl group to tour with The Beatles during their 1966 U.S. tour.
Their glamorous yet edgy style set them apart from other girl groups like The Supremes, giving them a “bad-girl” image that resonated with urban youth.

Behind the scenes, tensions grew—especially after Ronnie began a relationship with Phil Spector, marrying him in 1968.
Phil’s controlling behavior and shelving of recordings stalled the group’s progress.
The Ronettes disbanded in 1967, though Ronnie briefly revived the group in the 1970s without significant success.

Ronnie Spector launched a solo career, scoring a hit in 1986 with “Take Me Home Tonight” (duet with Eddie Money).
The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2007) and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2004).
“Be My Baby” was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame (1999) and remains one of the most influential pop songs ever recorded.

Dan J. Harkey