To her friends and family, she was Veronica Greenfield. To us, she was rock icon, Ronnie Spector. Sadly, the Rock-n-Roll Hall Of Famer lost her battle with cancer yesterday. She was 78. Here’s a message posted on her Facebook page:
Classic Hits fans will remember her incredible voice blending with Eddie Money on his 1986 hit, ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ that peaked at #4 on the charts. I remember talking with Eddie years ago when he came to Indy for a concert and I asked him about working with Ronnie. Eddie said she was exactly as he had always imagined: “a phenomenal talent”.
Here’s Ronnie with The Ronnettes singing the song that inspired Eddie to create his tribute to her:
Of course Ronnie’s career spanned several decades, bringing her fame for several hit songs like, ‘Walking In The Rain”, “Baby I Love You” and “Breakin’ Up”. Ronnie would later go on to write her memoir, including her dark confessions about her abusive marriage to Phil Spector. In a statement from her family they wrote, “In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requested that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund,”
Thanks for your beautiful voice, Ronnie. Your talents will continue to make fans smile forever. Rest in peace~
