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.
Paradise
The Ronettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And flowers grow forever more
Where time is standing still and lovers fill
The quiet places by the shore
We will cross the rainbow
To a place where we'll be free
Where he'll give his love to me
So I'll wait for the day when he takes me away to
(Paradise)
He'll take me by the hand to
(Paradise)
We'll walk along the sand in
(Paradise)
A never never land
(Paradise)
Wo wo wo
We'll build a castle there so we can share
The happiness we've waited for
While white flamingos fly way up high
Way above the ocean's roar
We will climb a mountain
To see our wonderland
Maybe now you'll understand
Why I've waited for the day when he takes me away to
(Paradise)
He'll take me by the hand to
(Paradise)
We'll walk along the sand in
(Paradise)
A never never land
(Paradise)
Wo wo wo
(Stand by him)
I'll stand by him
(Do right by him)
Do right by him
And I swear that I would die for him, die for him
(Paradise)
He'll take me by the hand to
(Paradise)
We'll walk along the sand in
(Paradise)
Oh oh oh
(Paradise)
Oh oh oh oh
Paradise
In The Ronettes' song "Paradise," the lyrics describe a magical and romantic escape from the struggles of everyday life. The singer longs to reach a place where she can be with her lover in peace and happiness, free from the troubles of the outside world. She describes this ideal location as a land where time stands still, and love flourishes uninterrupted. The song's dreamy tone is set by the lyrics and is further enhanced by the music, which features soothing harmonies, soft percussion, and gentle instrumentation.
The lyrics have a subtle religious undertone, as the imagery of crossing a rainbow to reach Paradise suggests a reference to the biblical story of Noah's Ark. In this story, God places a rainbow in the sky as a sign of his covenant with Noah and promises to never again flood the earth. The idea of a rainbow being a pathway to safety and happiness is one that is often associated with a divine presence, so it's possible that the song's writers intended for this connection to be made.
The song's message of devotion and love is further emphasized in the final verse, where the singer declares her loyalty and willingness to die for her lover. The lyrics emphasize the depth of her commitment, showcasing a love that is pure and unbreakable. Overall, "Paradise" is a song about finding a perfect escape from reality where love and happiness can flourish freely.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a land I know where lovers go
I know of a place where lovers can go to be together.
And flowers grow forever more
In this place, flowers never stop blooming and growing.
Where time is standing still and lovers fill
Time seems to stop in this place and lovers occupy it.
The quiet places by the shore
These lovers gather and find comfort in the peaceful places near the water.
We will cross the rainbow
We will use our imagination and find a way to this magical place.
To a place where we'll be free
This is a place where we can be ourselves and feel free.
Where he'll give his love to me
I will receive love from the one I love.
So I'll wait for the day when he takes me away to
I eagerly anticipate the day when my love will take me to this special place.
(Paradise)
This place is indeed a paradise.
He'll take me by the hand to
My love will lead me to this magical land by holding my hand.
(Paradise)
This paradise is where we will go.
We'll walk along the sand in
Together we will walk on the beach of this special place.
(Paradise)
This paradise is truly a magical, never-never land.
Wo wo wo
Nothing more to be said, just let the music play.
We'll build a castle there so we can share
Together we will construct a castle and share its beauty.
The happiness we've waited for
In this magical place, we will finally find the happiness we've been searching for.
While white flamingos fly way up high
Flamingos will fly above us as we enjoy the beauty of the place.
Way above the ocean's roar
The flamingos will fly over the sound of the ocean waves.
We will climb a mountain
We will go on an adventure and climb a mountain in this magical place.
To see our wonderland
We will climb the mountain to see the beauty and wonder of this place.
Maybe now you'll understand
After seeing this magical place, maybe you will understand why I've been longing to go there.
Why I've waited for the day when he takes me away to
I've been waiting for the day when my love will take me to this paradise so we can share in its wonder together.
(Paradise)
This place is truly paradise.
He'll take me by the hand to
My love will take me on this special journey by holding my hand.
(Paradise)
This magical place is all we could ever want.
We'll walk along the sand in
Together we will enjoy a peaceful walk on the beach of this paradise.
(Paradise)
This never-never land is truly a paradise.
Oh oh oh
Nothing more to be said, just let the music play.
Stand by him
I will be there for my love when he needs me.
Do right by him
I will always do the right thing for my love.
And I swear that I would die for him, die for him
I love him so much that I would do anything for him, even if that meant sacrificing myself.
(Paradise)
Again, this place is truly paradise.
Oh oh oh oh
Nothing more to be said, just let the music play.
Paradise
This is a true paradise.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PERRY L BOTKIN, GIL GARFIELD, HARRY NILSSON, PHIL SPECTOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@slashJker
They look like Egyptian goddesses
@robinandthe7hoods507
Phil Spector and Sonny Bono both used the Wall of Sound and created so many masterpieces that still sound so great today.
@jeancompton2975
R.I.P. Ronnie , thanks for the music ….I hope you are in your Paradise ..
@michaelhughes8057
R.I.P Ronnie. You are now reunited with Estelle!
@juliereminiec4937
This song has a new meaning ...now that Ronnie has left us
Paradise is how I describe listening to the Ronettes sing
@annach7914
The top songs that bring me to paradise:
Paradise✨
Born to be together✨
Walking in the rain✨
I wish I never saw the sunshine✨
@Andrew-kq4xm
This recording must have been made in heaven. It's otherworldly.
@dudleydoright3398
All three of the Ronettes are SO SO special.
@annach7914
Rip Open❤ hope you are enjoying YOUR paradise🪽✨
@annach7914
This song really does sound like the paradise: the instruments, the tune. Listening to it, I get this picture of paradise, high above, where Ronnie and Estelle are singing with the angels, the heaven sky, beautiful flowers, mountains…And just when you thought the song couldn’t possibly get anymore beautiful, that bridge near the end, wow!😍🤩🌟 it’s like the song enters another whole new level of magic heaven!🕊🌸✨🦋🌷🌙💫
The same can also be said for «Walking in the Rain»!🌧️🌌🌙✨