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This week saw the death of iconic female vocalist, Ronnie Spector. Guest writer Ann Massey selects her top songs to commemorate the singing legend.
How It Started In A Nutshell
Veronica Bennett, soon to become known as Ronnie, formed her group ‘The Ronettes’ with her sister and cousin at the end of the fifties. The family grew up in Washington Heights, New York, an eclectic neighbourhood with strong musical links dating back to the jazz era. This, together with her Irish/African/Cherokee heritage, meant that music was a natural choice for Ronnie.
The girl group soon came under the wing of record producer Phil Spector and his Wall of Sound. In fact Ronnie went on to marry the influential music man in 1968. Phil’s work with artists such as The Beatles opened so many doors for the talented Ronnie, with The Ronettes supporting The Beatles on tour and Ronnie going on to work with the likes of George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel – however while the door was opened by the industry big shot, it was Ronnie’s talent, skills in the recording studio and determinedness that got her firmly in the room on her own merits, especially after her torrid relationship with Phil Spector came to a dramatic end.
My selection are not necessarily the songs you would immediately think of, but more a recognition of the singer’s diversity and appeal. Sit back and enjoy Ronnie Spector and her own Wall of Sound.
Baby I Love You
Many people will think of The Ramones for this one, although
if the stories are true, they only recorded it because Phil Spector forced them
to at gunpoint! It was first however, a hit for The Ronettes in the early
sixties, but with a very different line up than you might think. Phil Spector
manipulated the situation so that Ronnie was in the recording studio and the
other two members of the ensemble were on the road with Dick Clark, so he could
get the power sound he was after.
What’d I Say
A sexually aggressive, masculine offering
from Ray Charles, this 1959 hit was covered on the album Presenting The
Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica. An inspiring tune, it had a lot of
influence on young musicians including The Beatles and has been covered by
everyone from Elvis to Jerry Lee Lewis, so big shoes for a female vocal group
to fill.
Try Some, Buy Some
Written by George Harrison and produced by
the Apple label, this is a prime example of Ronnie’s talents as a vocalist and
performer. George had written the song as an ode to his enlightenment and
reflects his journey to finding God. The song did not suit Ronnie Spector’s
vocals, she did not understand its premise and did not feel it hit the mark.
You Mean So Much To Me
When you think of New Jersey, you think of
Bruce Springsteen, but before he hit the big time, the man of the hour was
Southside Johnny. This duet with Ronnie Spector from 1976 was a part of his acclaimed
debut album, written by Bruce and produced by fellow E Street band member,
Steve Van Zandt, setting the pace for the Jersey Shore sound.
Ode To LA
With Sharin Foo opening up the lead vocals, Sune Rose Wagner harmonises as we are taken down memory lane to the Wall of Sound before being hit with the mighty vocal song bridge of Ronnie and complimenting harmonies.
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