Farewell To A Legendary Voice: Remembering Ronnie Spector
It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a true music icon. Ronnie Spector, the lead vocalist of The Ronettes, has passed away at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her legacy lives on through her timeless music and the lives she touched. She leaves behind her loving husband, Jonathan Greenfield, with whom she shares two sons, as well as three adopted children from her earlier marriage to the legendary but controversial music producer Phil Spector.
A Final Goodbye
On January 12, 2022, her family shared a heartfelt statement: “Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer. She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan.” Ronnie’s passing marks the end of an era, but her vibrant spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her music.
A Life Filled with Joy and Music
Ronnie’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. Known for her twinkling eyes, spunky attitude, and sharp sense of humor, she approached life with an infectious zest. Her family described her as someone filled with love and gratitude. “Ronnie lived her life with a smile on her face, and her joyful sound, playful nature, and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard, or saw her,” they said. Her music wasn’t just sound; it was an experience that touched countless lives.
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Honoring Ronnie's Legacy
In lieu of flowers, Ronnie’s family has requested donations be made to local women’s shelters or the American Indian College Fund, causes close to her heart. They also announced plans for a future celebration of Ronnie’s life and music, ensuring her memory will continue to inspire generations to come.
Ronnie’s career began in the 1960s with The Ronettes, where her powerful voice became the driving force behind hits like “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain.” In 1968, she married Phil Spector, and together they adopted a son, Donté Phillip Spector. Phil surprised Ronnie again in 1971 by giving her twin boys, Gary Phillip and Louis Phillip Spector, as a Christmas gift. Though unexpected, these boys became cherished members of her family.
Recalling the moment Phil surprised her with the twins, Ronnie once told People magazine, “We were in the car and all of a sudden we pull up to the mansion and there’s a fountain and there are these twins running around — these blond-haired, blue-eyed twins.” She added, “I’m saying, ‘What’s this?’ He said, ‘Merry Christmas!’” While it was certainly a memorable moment, Ronnie admitted that the surprise left her a bit overwhelmed. “He never said, ‘Ronnie, what do you think we should do? Should we adopt twins?’ Nothing! Everything was a surprise, and no woman wants live children as a surprise,” she joked.
A Turbulent Chapter Ends
Ronnie’s marriage to Phil Spector came to a dramatic end in 1972, with the couple divorcing two years later. Ronnie claimed that Phil had been abusive and had isolated her within their Beverly Hills mansion. After the split, Phil retained custody of their three adopted sons, sparking years of legal battles for Ronnie. Despite the challenges, Ronnie remained resilient, later finding love and happiness with her manager, Jonathan Greenfield. The couple married in 1982 and settled in Danbury, Connecticut, raising two sons, Austin Drew and Jason Charles Greenfield.
A Life in the Spotlight
Though her children stayed out of the limelight, Ronnie thrived in it. In 2017, she told People, “Nothing excites me more than just being onstage, having fun and flirting and winking to the guys and stuff like that. I just have so much fun. It’s just the best feeling when I go out and they say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen — my heart stops for a minute — Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes!’ Then I just go out there and the crowd reacts the way they react, and I can go on singing forever.”
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