"Ronnie" Greenfield, born Veronica Yvette Greenfield, was an American singer best known for her role as the lead vocalist in the girl group, the Ronettes. The group, which she co-founded, achieved significant fame, and Greenfield herself earned the moniker "the original bad girl of rock and roll".
1941: Birth of Estelle Bennett
Estelle Bennett, Ronnie Spector's older sister and fellow Ronettes member, was born in 1941.
August 10, 1943: Birth of Ronnie Spector
On August 10, 1943, Ronnie Spector was born Veronica Yvette Bennett in East Harlem, New York City.
1946: Birth of Nedra Talley
Nedra Talley, Ronnie Spector's cousin and the third member of the Ronettes, was born in 1946.
1963: Beginning of Relationship with Phil Spector
Ronnie and Phil Spector's romantic involvement began in 1963, shortly after she signed a record deal with his label. Initially, Ronnie was unaware of Phil's marital status.
1963: The Ronettes Sign with Philles Records
The Ronettes signed with Phil Spector's Philles Records in 1963. This relationship led to their most successful period, with hits like "Be My Baby" and "Baby, I Love You".
1964: The Ronettes Release More Hit Songs
The Ronettes continued their successful streak in 1964 with hits like "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up", "Do I Love You?", and "Walking in the Rain".
1965: Phil Spector's Divorce
Phil Spector finalized his divorce from his then-wife in 1965, paving the way for his relationship with Ronnie to progress openly.
1965: The Ronettes' Continued Success and Charting Singles
The Ronettes continued to achieve success in 1965, with two entries on the Billboard Hot 100: "Born to Be Together" and "Is This What I Get for Loving You?".
1966: The Ronettes Open for the Beatles, "I Can Hear Music" Released
In 1966, the Ronettes opened for the Beatles on their US tour, although Ronnie Spector was not allowed to participate. The group also released their last charting single, "I Can Hear Music", produced by Jeff Barry.
1967: The Ronettes Disband
The Ronettes broke up in early 1967, following a European concert tour, marking the end of an era for the iconic girl group.
April 14, 1968: Marriage to Phil Spector
Ronnie and Phil Spector exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony held at Beverly Hills City Hall on April 14, 1968. Following their marriage, Ronnie adopted the surname Spector professionally.
1968: Ronnie Spector Marries Phil Spector
Ronnie Bennett married Phil Spector in 1968, marking a turning point in her personal and professional life. She began using the name Ronnie Spector.
1969: Adoption of Donté Phillip
Expanding their family, Ronnie and Phil adopted a son, Donté Phillip, in 1969.
1969: Release of "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered"
Phil Spector released the record "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" in 1969, crediting it to "The Ronettes Featuring the Voice of Veronica." Ronnie Spector's vocals were used for both lead and backing.
February 1971: Recording of "Try Some, Buy Some/Tandoori Chicken"
Ronnie Spector recorded the song "Try Some, Buy Some/Tandoori Chicken" at Abbey Road Studios in February 1971, during Phil Spector's work with George Harrison.
April 1971: Release of "Try Some, Buy Some/Tandoori Chicken"
Ronnie Spector's debut solo single, "Try Some, Buy Some/Tandoori Chicken," written by George Harrison and produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, was released on Apple Records in April 1971.
May 1971: "Try Some, Buy Some/Tandoori Chicken" Charts on Billboard Hot 100
"Try Some, Buy Some/Tandoori Chicken" peaked at No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1971.
October 1971: John Lennon Covers "Tandoori Chicken"
John Lennon performed "Tandoori Chicken" at his birthday party in New York City in October 1971, having enjoyed the song from Ronnie Spector's single.
1972: Separation from Phil Spector
Ronnie Spector separated from Phil Spector in 1972, leading to her pursuing a solo career and reforming the Ronettes.
1972: Escape from Phil Spector's Mansion
Seeking freedom from what she described as a toxic and abusive marriage, Ronnie Spector made a daring escape from Phil Spector's mansion in 1972. She fled barefoot and without possessions, aided by her mother.
1973: Reformation of the Ronettes
Ronnie Spector reformed the Ronettes, with new members Chip Fields Hurd and Diane Linton, in 1973.
1974: Divorce and Financial Settlement
In 1974, Ronnie and Phil Spector's divorce was finalized. As part of the settlement, Ronnie relinquished all future earnings from her music career, alleging that Phil had threatened her life if she didn't comply.
1974: Ronnie and Phil Spector Divorce
Ronnie Spector and Phil Spector divorced in 1974, after a tumultuous period. Ronnie Spector would later re-form the Ronettes and resume performing.
1975: Release of "You'd Be Good For Me"
Ronnie Spector released the single "You'd Be Good For Me" on Tom Cat Records in 1975 as a solo artist.
1976: Duet with Southside Johnny and Collaboration with the E Street Band
Ronnie Spector sang a duet with Southside Johnny on the song "You Mean So Much To Me," written by Bruce Springsteen, which was featured on Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes' debut album. She also made appearances with the E Street Band.
1980: Release of "Siren"
Ronnie Spector released her debut solo album, "Siren," in 1980.
1980: Release of Debut Solo Album "Siren"
Ronnie Spector released her first solo album, "Siren", in 1980, marking a significant step in her career after the Ronettes.
1983: Marriage to Jonathan Greenfield
Ronnie Spector entered into marriage with her manager, Jonathan Greenfield, in 1983. They established their home in Danbury, Connecticut, and became parents to two sons.
1986: Featured on Eddie Money's "Take Me Home Tonight"
Ronnie Spector was featured on Eddie Money's hit song "Take Me Home Tonight" in 1986. This appearance brought her back into the public eye and revived her career.
1986: Resurgence in Popularity and "Take Me Home Tonight" Music Video
The music video for "Take Me Home Tonight" featuring Ronnie Spector was in heavy rotation on MTV in 1986, contributing to the song's success and Spector's return to the spotlight.
1987: Release of "Unfinished Business"
Ronnie Spector released the album "Unfinished Business" in 1987.
1988: The Ronettes Sue for $10 Million
The Ronettes, led by Ronnie Spector, initiated legal action against Phil Spector in 1988, seeking $10 million in damages, alleging breach of contract, demanding the return of their master recordings, and seeking recoupment of funds from the sale of those recordings.
1988: Ronnie Spector's Christmas Party Begins
Ronnie Spector began performing at the annual "Ronnie Spector's Christmas Party" at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City in 1988, which became a seasonal tradition.
1988: The Ronettes Sue Phil Spector
In 1988, Ronnie Spector, along with the other members of the Ronettes, initiated a lawsuit against Phil Spector. The lawsuit alleged nonpayment of royalties and unpaid income from the licensing of the Ronettes' music.
1990: Allegations of Abuse Revealed in Memoir
In her 1990 memoir, Ronnie Spector detailed the alleged psychological abuse she endured during her marriage to Phil Spector. She claimed he exerted extreme control, isolating her in their home and hindering her career.
1990: Publication of "Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, Or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette"
Ronnie Spector published her memoir, "Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, Or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette," in 1990.
1990: Publication of "Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, Or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette"
Ronnie Spector's memoir, "Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, Or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette," was published in 1990. The book provided a candid and revealing account of her life and career.
December 1998: Appearance on Later... with Jools Holland
In December 1998, Ronnie Spector appeared on the BBC's Later... with Jools Holland, shortly after signing with Creation Records.
1999: Release of the EP "She Talks to Rainbows"
Ronnie Spector released the EP "She Talks to Rainbows" in 1999, which was produced by Joey Ramone and featured covers of older songs.
1999: Release of "She Talks to Rainbows"
Ronnie Spector released the EP "She Talks to Rainbows" in 1999.
2001: New York Court Rules in Favor of the Ronettes
In 2001, a New York court issued a verdict in favor of the Ronettes, ordering Phil Spector to pay $2.6 million in back royalties.
2002: Court of Appeals Overturns Verdict
The 2001 judgment was overturned by a Court of Appeals in 2002. The case was sent back to the New York State Supreme Court for further review.
2003: Collaboration with The Misfits
In 2003, Ronnie Spector collaborated with the horror punk band The Misfits, contributing backing vocals to two tracks on their album "Project 1950": "This Magic Moment" and "You Belong to Me."
2003: Release of "Something's Gonna Happen"
Ronnie Spector released the album "Something's Gonna Happen" in 2003.
2004: Induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame
The Ronettes achieved a significant milestone in 2004 when they were inducted into the prestigious Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
2005: Guest Appearance on The Raveonettes' Album
Ronnie Spector lent her vocals to the track "Ode to LA" on The Raveonettes' album "Pretty in Black" in 2005.
2006: Release of "Last of the Rock Stars"
Ronnie Spector released her album "Last of the Rock Stars" in 2006 under the High Coin label. The album featured collaborations with notable musicians, including members of The Raconteurs, Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Raveonettes, Patti Smith, and Keith Richards.
2006: Release of "Last of the Rock Stars"
Ronnie Spector released the album "Last of the Rock Stars" in 2006.
2007: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Ronnie Spector was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Ronettes in 2007.
2007: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In 2007, the Ronettes were honored with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition cemented their status as icons of the music industry.
2009: Death of Estelle Bennett
Estelle Bennett, Ronnie's older sister and member of the Ronettes, passed away in 2009.
November 2010: Release of "Ronnie Spector's Best Christmas Ever"
November 2010 marked the release of Ronnie Spector's Christmas EP, "Ronnie Spector's Best Christmas Ever," featuring five original Christmas songs. The EP was released on the Bad Girl Sounds label.
2011: Tribute to Amy Winehouse
In 2011, following the passing of Amy Winehouse, Ronnie Spector released a tribute single, a cover of Winehouse's "Back to Black" (originally released in 2006). The proceeds from the single were donated to the Daytop Village addiction treatment centers.
2014: Jools' Annual Hootenanny Appearance
On New Year's Eve 2014, Ronnie Spector made a special appearance on Jools' Annual Hootenanny, a popular New Year's Eve musical celebration broadcast on the BBC.
2015: UK Tour and "Back to Black" Performances
Throughout 2015, Ronnie Spector included her rendition of "Back to Black" as a tribute to Amy Winehouse in her live performances during her UK tour.
2016: Release of "English Heart"
After a decade, Ronnie Spector released a new album titled "English Heart" in 2016 through 429 Records. Produced by Scott Jacoby, the album features her interpretations of songs from the British Invasion era, including tracks by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and The Bee Gees.
2016: Release of "English Heart"
Ronnie Spector released the album "English Heart" in 2016.
August 9, 2017: Release of "Love Power"
August 9, 2017, saw the release of "Love Power," a new single by Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes. Produced by Narada Michael Walden, it marked the first Ronettes single in several decades. The release was premiered by People magazine.
2018: Appearance in "Amy Winehouse: Back to Black" Documentary
Ronnie Spector appeared in the 2018 music documentary "Amy Winehouse: Back to Black." The documentary explores the life and career of Amy Winehouse, particularly focusing on her final studio album, "Back to Black," which drew significant inspiration from 1960s girl groups, including The Ronettes.
September 2020: Biopic Announcement
Deadline reported in September 2020 that actress Zendaya was cast to portray Ronnie Spector in a biographical film adaptation of her memoir, "Be My Baby."
December 2021: Return to the Top 10
In a significant achievement, The Ronettes' 1963 recording of "Sleigh Ride" re-entered the music charts in December 2021, marking their return to the Top 10 after 58 years.
January 12, 2022: Death of Ronnie Spector
Ronnie Spector passed away on January 12, 2022.
January 2022: Ronnie Spector at the BBC Broadcast
Following Ronnie Spector's death in January 2022, the BBC aired a special tribute program, "Ronnie Spector at the BBC," featuring a compilation of her performances and appearances.
May 2022: Release of Updated Memoir
An updated edition of Ronnie Spector's memoir, retitled "Be My Baby: A Memoir," was released in May 2022. This updated version, completed shortly before her death in late 2021, included new insights and reflections on her life and experiences.
2023: Ranked on Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Ronnie Spector at number 70 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.