LA Musicians Pay Tribute to Ronnie Spector: Ronnie Spector, former singer for the Ronettes and celebrated solo artist, died on Wednesday, January 12 after a brief battle with cancer. She was 78.

The singer is probably best known for the Ronettes anthem “Be My Baby” but that band released a string of incredible hits, and her solo albums, notably 2006’s The Last of the Rock Stars, were fantastic. She will be missed.

Vince Cuneo of Venice duo Movie Club told us that: “The first time I heard Ronnie Spector’s voice was the hit ‘Be My Baby’ by the Ronettes. Classic songs like this take the listener to a certain place. This particular song makes me feel like I’m back in high school falling in love for the first time and also makes me feel like I time traveled back to a 1960’s diner with my entire life ahead of me. Though the song’s production sounded huge because of Phil Spector, the power of Ronnie’s voice creates an emotion and nostalgia that is truly legendary.”

Streetwalkin’ Cheetah Frank Meyer reached out to say, “Ronnie’s body of work had a huge influence on the proto-punk stylings of the Ramones and New York Dolls, and even hard rock acts like Aerosmith and Twisted Sister. She had a totally unique voice, an enduring personality, and stayed relevant even in the twilight years of her career.”

And Bonnie Bloomgarden of the Death Valley Girls said: “Ronnie Spector is the number one coolest! From her start playing showcases in Harlem, to touring the world and opening for the Rolling Stones, she is a hero and a goddess! Her voice is the perfect combination of tough, yet sweet, unhinged, but with restraint, and it is so earth shatteringly cool! And her style is second to none! When I got to see her sing live, her energy was electric, you could feel it in the entire room! Do yourself a favor and get her book Be My Baby — a must read rock bio! Love you Ronnie!!!”

In 2018, Ronnie chatted with Falling James for LA Weekly. Find that interview here.

 

LA Musicians Pay Tribute to Ronnie Spector

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