Ronnie Spector, lead singer of The Ronettes, has died.
The singer, who found fame in the ‘60s girl group, died on Wednesday, January 12, at the age of 78, her family confirmed in a statement.
Revealing she passed away “after a brief battle with cancer”, they said: “Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer. She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan.
“Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude.
“Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her.”
The statement added: “In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requested that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund.
“A celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the future.
“The family respectfully asks for privacy at this time.”
Born Veronica Bennett in Spanish Harlem in New York City, the star began releasing music with her older sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley in the early ’60s, when she was just a teenager.
The group were first signed to Colpix Records, before being discovered by DJ Murray Kaufman, aka ‘Murray the K’, who hired them as dancers at Brooklyn’s Fox Theatre.
They subsequently went on to issue their classic single Be My Baby, which topped the US charts and served as a blueprint for the defining sound of the girl group era.
Their other hits include Walking in the Rain, Do I Love You, and Baby I Love You.
