Ronnie Spector - Tandoori Chicken

Biography

Veronica “Ronnie” Spector Greenfield (born Veronica Yvette Bennett on August 10, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter, best known for being one of the founding member of 60s supergroup The Ronettes, and producing many of the most iconic songs of the era alongside her then-husband Phil Spector.

Born in New York City in 1943, Spector was encouraged to enter the music industry by her large family, and she became a part of The Darling Sisters, later known as The Ronettes, along with her sister Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley.

Before signing to a record label, the group was a popular live attraction in the greater New York area, and eventually signed to record label Colpix Records without success. Following their run with Colpix, they signed with Spector’s future husband, Phil, at his label Philles Record. From then on, The Ronnettes were a huge success, with songs like “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain” topping charts.

In 1967, the group broke up and would not reunite until their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction almost 40 years later. Spector then decided to pursue a solo career, working with members of The Beatles, notably George Harrison and John Lennon, co-producing Lennon’s 1971 hit Christmas song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”.

After a failed attempt to reform The Ronettes with new members in 1973, Spector began performing at Ronnie Spector’s Christmas Party, which was featured in B.B. King Blues Club & Grill from 1988.

In the same year, The Ronettes sued Spector’s now ex-husband, Phil Spector, for nonpayment of royalties and for unpaid income he made from licensing of The Ronettes’ music. After a lengthy court battle, it was determined that Spector would pay the group a judgment in excess of 1.5 million dollars.

Although none of her solo work ever matched the success of that with The Ronnettes, Spector made a name for herself in the 70s and 80s, and will forever remain a figure of excellence in the world of female rock and roll.