What was Ronnie Spector’s net worth?

Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of the Ronettes, has died at the age of 78. She had a net worth of $5 million at the time of her death. Spector was a co-founder of the popular girl group in the 1960s and sang hit songs such as “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain.”

After marrying super producer Phil Spector in 1968, she suffered from his alleged abusive behavior and managed to escape by breaking through a glass door. She struggled to make a comeback in the music industry but eventually found success when she was featured on Eddie Money’s hit song “Take Me Home Tonight.”

Despite her success, Ronnie Spector passed away on January 12, 2022, leaving behind a legacy as a talented musician and singer.

Ronnie Spector’s Background

Ronnie Spector, born Veronica Yvette Bennett on August 10, 1943 in East Harlem, NYC, was the daughter of an Irish father and a mother of black and Cherokee descent. She grew up in Washington Heights with her older sister Estelle and formed a music group called the Darling Sisters with their cousin Nedra Talley. They performed at local venues while attending George Washington High School.

The Ronettes: A Successful Career Under Phil Spector

In the early 60s, the Darling Sisters became the Ronettes and signed to Colpix Records, but their singles didn’t do well. However, their luck changed when they signed with Phil Spector’s Philles Records. Their collaboration resulted in a string of hit songs, including “Be My Baby,” which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by several more successful singles. The Ronettes’ final charting single, “I Can Hear Music,” was released in 1966, and the group disbanded the following year.

Ronnie Spector’s Music Career

After marrying Phil Spector in the late 60s, Ronnie Spector began her solo career with the single “Try Some, Buy Some” in 1971. She released her debut solo studio album, “Siren,” in 1980, and had a resurgence in 1986 with her contribution to Eddie Money’s hit song “Take Me Home Tonight.” Spector released her second solo album, “Unfinished Business,” in 1987, followed by the EPs “She Talks to Rainbows” in 1999 and “Something’s Gonna Happen” in 2003. Her third studio album, “The Last of the Rock Stars,” was released in 2006, followed by the holiday EP “Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Ever” in 2010. In 2016, she released the album “English Heart,” featuring covers of British Invasion artists. Spector also recorded a tribute to Amy Winehouse with a cover of her song “Back to Black.”

Abuse and Legal Battles

After signing with Phil Spector’s label in 1963, Ronnie Spector began a relationship with the producer, not realizing he was married. They eventually got married in 1968 and adopted three children. However, Spector subjected Ronnie to psychological and physical abuse, forbidding her from performing and restricting her recording output. She claimed he threatened to kill her if she ever left and had fortified their home with barbed wire and guard dogs. In 1972, she escaped with the assistance of her mother and officially divorced Spector in 1974.

After the divorce, Spector allegedly hired lawyers to prevent Ronnie from singing and receiving royalties. In 1988, the Ronettes sued Spector for $10 million in damages, including nonpayment of royalties and income from licensing their music. The case was finally adjudicated in 2001, with a New York court ruling in favor of the Ronettes, but the judgment was later overturned and remanded back to court. Spector eventually paid over $1 million in royalties to Ronnie.

Marriage and Family

In 1982, Ronnie Spector married Jonathan Greenfield, who also served as her manager. The couple had two sons and lived in Danbury, Connecticut. They were together until Spector’s death in early 2022 at the age of 78.

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