The group's career:
Sisters Estelle (born 1941) and Veronica Bennett (born 1943), and their cousin Nedra Talley (born 1946), began singing together as teenagers in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Encouraged by their grandmother, they entered and won a talent show at the Apollo Theatre in 1959, as The Darling Sisters. Phillip Halikus saw their potential, became their manager, and promoted their early appearances at hops and charity shows.
In 1961, while standing in line at the Peppermint Lounge, they were mistaken for a singing trio that had not arrived and were ushered on stage. After performing Ray Charles' "What'd I Say", they were signed to appear regularly there and in Miami. Later that year, they danced in shows staged by disc jockey Murray the K, but, contrary to many sources, did not appear in the 1961 film Twist Around the Clock. They did get a record deal with the Colpix label, and, as Ronnie & the Relatives, released their first single "I Want a Boy". They also worked as backing singers for Bobby Rydell, Del Shannon, and Joey Dee & The Starliters. Renamed as The Ronettes, they issued several more singles with Colpix and recorded an album, unissued at the time, but had little early commercial success.
In 1963 they came to the attention of producer Phil Spector, who was looking for a new girl group to assume The Crystals' mantle. He was taken with Ronnie's voice and style, and signed The Ronettes to his Philles label. As Spector's new protΓ©gΓ©es, they were given a strong image as "bad girls", with beehive hairdos, heavy eyeliner, and tight skirts. Their first Philles single was "Be My Baby", co-written by Spector with Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, and arranged and produced by Spector. It became a worldwide hit, reaching # 2 on the U.S. pop chart, # 4 on the R&B chart, and # 4 on the UK chart. The follow-up, "Baby, I Love You", had an even denser arrangement, featuring Leon Russell on piano, and backing vocals from Darlene Love and Cher, among others. It was slightly less successful, reaching # 24 in the United States and # 11 in the United Kingdom. The Ronettes also featured on Spector's album "A Christmas Gift for You".
Early in 1964 The Ronettes toured England with The Rolling Stones and met The Beatles. They continued to have hits with "(The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up" (# 39 U.S., # 43 UK), "Do I Love You?" (# 34 U.S., # 35 UK), and "Walking in the Rain" (# 24 U.S.), which won a Grammy for Best Sound Effects, the only one Spector ever received. However, their LP, "Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes featuring Veronica", only reached # 96 and other singles were less successful; musical tastes had moved beyond the girl group sound, and the Ronettes were unable to maintain their relevance. After criss-crossing the United States and Canada as one of the opening acts for the final concert tour of The Beatles, they disbanded at the end of 1966.
Later events:
Estelle Bennett and Nedra Talley each married and, in 1968, Ronnie Bennett married Phil Spector and retired from performance for several years. In 1971, under Spector's direction, Ronnie recorded "Try Some, Buy Some" for the Beatles' Apple label. This was her last charting record, reaching # 77 in the spring of 1971.
In 1973, as she and Spector were about to divorce, she returned to performing at Richard Nader's "Rock and Roll Revival" show at Madison Square Garden. Her new version of The Ronettes at that time included Denise Edwards and Chip Fields, and they issued two singles on the Buddah label.
In 1988, the original Ronettes sued Spector for nonpayment of royalties. In 2001, a New York court announced a verdict in favor of the Ronettes, ordering Spector to pay nearly three million dollars in back royalties; however, the judgment was later overturned on appeal. On February 11, 2009 Estelle Bennett was found dead at her home in Englewood, New Jersey. She was 67.
Awards and recognition:
The Ronettes were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.
It was believed that Phil Spector, in his capacity as a member of the Board of Governors, deliberately prevented the Ronettes (and Darlene Love) from being nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although they had been eligible for a considerable period. The alleged reasons included the acrimonious divorce of Ronnie and Spector, in addition to the group having (unsuccessfully) sued Spector for back royalties. While Spector was awaiting trial on a murder charge and out on $1 million bail, the Ronettes were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the March 12, 2007, induction ceremony held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Keith Richards, a self-confessed longtime fan, inducted the trio. Ronnie Bennett (Spector) and Nedra Talley performed "Baby, I Love You," "Walking In the Rain" and "Be My Baby." Estelle Bennett was present to accept her award but did not perform.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
The Ronettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Underneath the mistletoe last night
She didn't see me creep down the stairs to have a peek
She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom, fast asleep
Then I saw mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white
Oh, what a laugh it would have been if daddy had only seen
Then, I saw mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white
Oh, what a laugh it would have been if daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night
Oh, what a laugh it would have been if daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night
(I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus)
The Ronettes's song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" is a classic Christmas tune that tells the story of a child who, on Christmas Eve, sees their mother kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe. The child watches from the stairs as the mother and Santa and laughs at the sight. The lyrics suggest the child's delight and sense of adventure, but also allude to a possible familial rift around the behavior displayed by the mother.
With its upbeat melody, the song captures the spirit of Christmas and the joy it brings to families. However, it also creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, leaving the listener to wonder whether the mother is indeed cheating on her husband or whether it is just a playful holiday tradition. The song plays with the idea of the mythical and magical Santa Claus, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
The song's lyrics have been interpreted in various ways over the years, with some critics viewing it as a subversive representation of female sexuality and infidelity, while others see it as a harmless and playful Christmas song. Regardless of the interpretation, it remains a beloved holiday classic that has been covered by various artists over the years, including John Mellencamp, Amy Winehouse, and The Jackson 5.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus
I witnessed my mother kissing someone dressed as Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night
This moment occurred while standing under the traditional decoration of mistletoe, likely in a public area of the house.
She didn't see me creep down the stairs to have a peek
Mom was unaware that I was nearby and wasn't expecting anyone to witness this.
She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom, fast asleep
My mother believed that I was sound asleep in my bedroom, but I was actually still awake.
Then I saw mommy tickle Santa Claus
In addition to kissing, I also watched her playfully interact with the person dressed as Santa Claus by tickling him.
Underneath his beard so snowy white
This playful moment occurred while Santa was still in character and wearing his iconic white beard.
Oh, what a laugh it would have been if daddy had only seen
The situation would have been comical if my father had seen this happening.
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night
The main event of the song, where I watch my mother kiss Santa Claus while he's visiting our house on Christmas Eve.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lai Bing Tsang, Tommie Connor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dan Kierson
Beautiful version. Captures the innocence of a child's Christmas.
Aidy Gooner
This is an UNDERRATED Christmas song!
Jana Podnecka
Best concept, lively rythem, great song. Dont understand why it is not on the usualy xmass carols lists. It certainly is on ours, and we are from the Europe π
David Wanklyn
@Jana Podnecka
Could it be that this version is not favoured because it was produced by convicted murderer Phil Spector? ππππ
Andrew Browning
The best version of this fabulous 60,s Christmas hit
Jay Weiss
The best version of this song by a long shot
Gelison
Amy Winehouse >
LiamX
@Gelison π
Victor Block
Agreed. 100%. Phil Spector magical perfect production and arranging, Ronnie's perfect voice, Hal Blaine on the drums, just beautiful.
Jay Weiss
@Victor Block it takes you back to that time when it was always on at the shopping mall! Memories