Could have the Ronettes been bigger?

[Levi Stubbs Tears]

My main intro to them was via the 'Phil Spector Greatest Hits' album of the late 70s and I was always surprised they didn't have much more output than the songs on this album.

I loved Ronnie's voice and remember the thrill of hearing Eddie Money's 'Take Me Home Tonight' for the first time on radio when it was released in the late 80s.

I'm not sure they would have fitted in to a Copa type environment. They were no Supremes and hadn't had the benefit Maxine Powell schooling. I can remember Ellie Greenwich in a documentary saying they weren't very lady-like.

But anyway, when Phil pulled the plug, they were done. And not even the help of the E-Street Band, The Ramones and others could help Ronnie's solo career in later years.

I was very surprised to see in the Aussie charts over Christmas, 'Sleigh Ride' by the Ronettes somehow made it into the top 40.

[smallworld]

I can remember Ellie Greenwich in a documentary saying they weren't very lady-like.

I think you may be conflating the Ronettes with the Shangri-Las.

[Levi Stubbs Tears]

I think you may be conflating the Ronettes with the Shangri-Las.

Found the quote:

Ellie: "I guess the Shangri-Las and the Ronettes in a different way were the tough girl groups"

[smallworld]

Found the quote: Ellie: "I guess the Shangri-Las and the Ronettes in a different way were the tough girl groups"

Thanks for looking up the quote.

[BayouMotownMan]

Ronnie Spector had a nice tonal quality but she lacked the range and the power. Her vibrato was always out of control. I don't think any other record company would have been interested in them. The last time I heard Ronnie sing it was obvious that the chain smoking had taken a toll on her voice. She is a legend and deserves that, they worked hard. Phil obviously sabotaged their career to keep Ronnie at home. I read her book, it was a tough life.