The Ronette’s frontwoman Ronnie Spector, who sang 1960s hits Walking in the Rain, Baby I Love You, and Be My Baby, has died at the age of 78.
The singer passed away after a short battle with cancer, her family said.
“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 grieving family said in a statement.
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys took to Twitter and wrote: “I just heard the news about Ronnie Spector and I don’t know what to say. I loved her voice so much and she was a very special person and a dear friend. This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever.
“Love & Mercy, Brian.”
Joan Jett also tweeted: “Our dear friend Ronnie Spector, has passed. She was the sweetest person you could ever know. And her mark on rock and roll is indelible.”
Steve Van Zandt, music producer and Bruce Springteen’s E Street Band member, paid tribute to Ronnie’s career, writing: “RIP Ronnie Spector.
“It was an honor to Produce her and encourage her to get back on stage where she remained for the next 45 years.
“Her record with the E Street Band helped sustain us at a very precarious time (thanks to Steve Popovich). Condolences to her husband and family.”
Ronnie tied the knot with music producer Phil Spector in 1968. However, she revealed that he kept her locked in their mansion in Beverly Hills.
The pair divorced in 1974.
Her autobiography ‘Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts And Madness’ tells a heartbreaking story of abuse.
In 2009, Phil Spector was jailed for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. He passed away in January last year at the age of 81.
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