The Ronettes were a girl group of the 1960s from New York City, best known … Read Full Bio ↴The Ronettes were a girl group of the 1960s from New York City, best known for their work with producer Phil Spector. They consisted of lead singer Veronica Bennett (a.k.a. Ronnie Spector), her sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley. Their defining album is "Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica" from 1963, and their most famous songs include "Be My Baby", "Baby, I Love You", "(The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up", and "Walking in the Rain".
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 protégées, 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.
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 protégées, 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.
Keep Dancing
The Ronettes Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Keep Dancing' by these artists:
A Global Threat Yo, hello? You know, you don't have to have a gun…
Amber Van Day I climb the tallest mountain to breathe the freshest air But…
Ciara feat. The-Dream Ohh yeah Waaaahhh Yeah (Ciara:) Lead me out on the flo…
Ciara Ft The Dream Ohh yeah Waaaahhh Yeah (Ciara:) Lead me out on the flo…
Ciara Ft. The Dream Ohh yeah Waaaahhh Yeah (Ciara:) Lead me out on the flo…
Eva Snyder Can I tell you a secret just between you and…
Gibbz When we began I couldn't see what you were seeing I knew…
J.K.A. and the Band Red flags surround me The situations dire So I hide away the…
Manda Walked in and you Turned around Tight jeans starring Know yo…
SIRUP Full Crate I'm just tryna see Where this love can lead if we…
SixNationState I don't want this anymore than you I don't need this…
Wilkinson I climb the tallest mountain to breathe the freshest air But…
Wilkinson & Amber Van Day I climb the tallest mountain to breathe the freshest air But…
Wilkinson Amber Van Day I climb the tallest mountain to breathe the freshest air But…
Wilkinson feat. Amber Van Day I climb the tallest mountain to breathe the freshest air But…
Wolf Saga Starts off with a wave coming through your stereo Your body…
We have lyrics for these tracks by The Ronettes:
(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up Baby when we break up from a quarrel or a…
Baby You know I've been wanting you My whole life through And now…
Baby I Love You Whoa-oh, whoa-oh oh oh Have I ever told you How good it…
Baby%2C I Love You Do I want you for my baby Do I want you…
Baby, I Love You Woa-oh, woa-oh oh oh Have I ever told you How good it…
Be May Baby The night we met I knew I needed you so And…
Be My Baby The night we met I knew I needed you so And…
Born To Be Together The moment I saw you, My heart knew it was…
Breakin' Up Baby, when we break up from a quarrel or a…
Do I Love You Do I want you for my baby Do I want you…
Everything Under The Sun If there′s anymore living to live The life that's left in…
Frosty the Snowman Frosty the snowman a Was a jolly happy soul With a corncob…
He Did It He, yes he did it And he, oh oh he said…
Here I Sit Here I sit, broken hearted Fell in love, but now we've…
How Does It Feel How does it feel when you're left sitting out in…
I Baby do you know what you did today? Baby do you…
I Can Hear Music This is the way I always dreamed it would be The way…
I Saw Momma Kissing Santa Claus I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus Underneath the mistletoe las…
i wish i never saw the sunshin Baby do you know what you did today? Baby do you…
I Wonder Mama said, before I'd grown I'll find somebody I could call…
I'm On the Wagon (No kissin′, no huggin', I′m on the wagon) Woah, ever since…
Is This What I Get For Loving You There's been a lot of talk around That you've been seen…
Keep on dancing Little girl you know that I've been watchin' you Tryin' har…
Mashed Potato Time (It′s the latest, it's the greatest) (Mashed potato) Yeah, y…
My Guiding Angel My guiding angel Up above I have lost My first love So tell …
Oh I Love You Woa-oh, woa-oh oh oh Have I ever told you How good it…
Paradise There is a land I know where lovers go And flowers…
Silhouettes Silhouettes, Silhouettes, Silhouettes, Silhouettes, Silhouet…
Sleigh Ride Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling …
So Young I have boyfriend He says I'm his only one We wanna get…
Soldier Baby Of Mine Soldier baby of mine, way across the sea They've taken you,…
The Best Part of Breaking Up Baby, when we break up from a quarrel or a…
The Memory I lay awake the whole night trough With the memory The memor…
Walkin' In The Rain I want him, and I need him, And someday someway woo…
When I Saw You When I saw you, that's when I knew I'd lose my…
Why Don Why do they say that We're too young to go steady? Don't…
You You know I've been wanting you My whole life through And now…
YOU ARE THE ONE Do I want you for my baby Do I want you…
You Baby You know I've been wanting you My whole life through And now…
You Bet I Would If you told me (if you told me) That when were…
You Came You Saw You Conquered I didn't have a care or worry I wasn't in the…
You Came, You Saw, You Conquered You Came, You Saw, You Conquered I didn't have a care…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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@robinandthe7hoods507
I never tired of listening to this group...Every song is a classic!..Spector was a genius!
@rastasrosco1318
Keep on Dancing up in Heaven pretty little girl , both the pretty Bennett girls dancing away up there. Thank you for the memories Ronnie and Estelle.
@haroldsmith1213
the ronettes have never become outdated ,for me they are as real as the first time i ever heard them-they were a gift to us all .
@lordpicchio
RIP Ronnie. We’ll keep on dancing forever in this crazy but beautiful world.
@jamesstrutz4937
DAMN THEY WERE THE BEST GIRLS GROUP I'VE EVER HEARD!!! THERE WAS A NEW SONG OUT EVERY WEEK BACK IN THE 50'S & 60'S. SO MANY GREAT GROUPS 👍 !!!!!!!!!!!
@Medina.1014
One of the few songs I’ve cried to... gorgeous beyond perfection
@chrisns3239
This song is unique because it features Ronnie and Nedra singing in unison. Worked well. Agree should have been released.
@daverobertswales
A fantastic song, RIP Ronnie.
@annach7914
Ronnie and Estelle dancing away to this song in heaven❤❤️❤️
@davidfriedlander5261
I am and always have been mad keen for Nedra Talley!