Ronnie Spector Death: Singer Said Husband Phil Was Abusive

The music world is mourning the death of Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of the Ronettes, who died Wednesday at age 78 after a short battle with cancer. Spector was a music legend and later spoke out about surviving a tumultuous marriage with Phil Spector, who produced the Ronettes’ first hit “Be My Baby,” which launched the group into stardom. Five years later, frontwoman Ronnie married the eccentric hitmaker, who she says became her tormentor.

[@lunalea1250]

She triumphed after all that abuse to have a 40 years marriage and 2 grown children, what a WOMAN, RIP! 😔💃🏽🕊

[@20alphabet]

Lol, living in a mansion = abuse.. 😆👌🏼

[@Random-pv5fx]

@@20alphabet just because she lived in a mansion doesn’t mean terrible things don’t happen come on now 😐🤦🏽‍♀️

[@tollastales849]

​@@20alphabetthere is something wrong with you

[@68wpie]

​@@20alphabetwell spector killed a woman in his mansion?

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

​@@Random-pv5fxexactly 💯

[@octowuss1118]

My husband told me she died, and I told him that at least she got to see Phil Spector die first. RIP

[@arcious60]

I feel bad for the kids. Using kids to make someone stay is a tactic narcissists use as leverage against someone.

[@Former_Pastor]

Another good reason not to have kids !

[@planet5142]

@@Former_Pastor that's not really a good reason to not have kids not everyone is like that.

[@addo2419]

Imagine coming home with adopted kids, like it was puppies! Surprise! 😖

[@trusttheprocess2833]

@@Former_Pastor that’s the reason why I don’t have a child even if I’m already 27yrs old. I can’t afford to have kids,not responsible enough to have kids,not emotionally and mentally ready to have kids,no money to have kids,and it’s not easy to raise a kid since it’s a responsibility.

[@sitikhadijah-co4fd]

@@trusttheprocess2833 same with me unfortunately people around me not understand my situation. They mock me because i not marry and have no interest to find husband.

[@noone9350]

Rest In Peace to a wonderful artist!!!

[@jdjd6560]

It’s peace- not piece. No judgment- just an fyi for future reference…

[@srodriguez721]

She was so talented. God rest her soul.. fly high with the angels.🙏🏻

[@jessicahubbard7218]

Yes yes God please rest her soul amen amen yes yes amen amen

[@makeitmakesense2616]

I saw her play a live show at city winery in NYC. One of the best live performances I've ever seen

[@patchchrist]

I saw her play live in Pasadena in 2018. She still had it & looked so good even if she was over 70. I was very fortunate to see her perform.

[@veronicacougar5687]

John Lennon was madly in love with her and wooed her passionately, but she resisted because they were both married. The Beatles and the Ronettes met at a party in London. The three girls taught the Beatles the latest dances from America. John kept telling Ronnie that he didn't have the moves down and needed her help. She said it wasn't hard to figure out that he liked her. When he kissed her later on, it made her forget all about Phil, for a little while. She said that they stayed friends for life after that.

[@juniorlsdmusic]

He was such a monster, no matter how talented he was

[@matthewm9261]

Definitely the best music writer of the 60s. He wrote so many hits for those girl groups

[@DagDebrini]

Sometimes I think, great talent can corollate with absolute madness.

[@Schnitzeldawg]

@@matthewm9261 he also made curtis lee’s pretty little angel eyes song blow up

[@kimsullivan5576]

I hope his rotten soul has gave him a seasoned one-way ticket on a one way ride. Period. Just ask AC/DC.

[@CARNELIANTURQUOISE]

He was a theif, he didn't "write" alot of those songs, the girls did and he held their contracts over their heads. Darlene Love was one of them. Watch "Twenty Feet From Stardom". He was an awful person

[@artisticalex1206]

RIP Ronnie. This is awful she had to deal with this abuse.

[@Vision-nr8zy]

And many still believe being rich is the key to life... RIP beautiful lady

[@rmr2471]

When money becomes everything its worth nothing🤔

[@poptartparty69]

I wish this piece focused more on Ronnie and how amazing her voice was, rather than the abuse she suffered. They talked more about Phil Spector than her.

[@colapea6048]

Exactly!! This just made me so mad!!

[@jimb.7523]

And it's not like it wasn't already known.

[@MusicandDancing4Ever]

Well she never stopped talking about him when she was alive. She even continued to carry his last name. She never got over that man, inspite of what he did.

[@khismet]

Just like media today.. salacious news is what get promoted over a decent relatable tribute to a iconic songstress that was beloved by so many. Her life & accomplishments were much more praiseworthy than a youthful mistake of marriage. RIP Ronnie we will hold you in our hearts always🌹

[@lisaellis2593]

Exactly!

[@carolinebilliot2298]

Cancer sucks 😔 RIP Ronnie

[@azia5051]

Yep true, that sucks.

[@carolinebilliot2298]

@@azia5051 and abusive family members too

[@tylerdenaro639]

Rest in peace Ronnie Spector 🙏 💔 😢 😔

[@azia5051]

@Caroline Billiot rip for you family member who have cancer.

[@carolinebilliot2298]

@@azia5051 you misunderstood what I said 😅

[@mycatalby630]

She had an amazing voice. As soon as I hear this song it takes me right back to the sixties. She was beautiful. Rest In Peace Ronnie. 😔💜

[@joannebarber6352]

Her voice was magnificent and great sense of humour. Sad day but her music will live on forever ❤️

[@imhere653]

She had such a distinctive, joyful voice. Instant recognition. I regret she was involved with such a spiteful tyrant.

[@20alphabet]

If she hadn't been involved with him we'd never have heard of her.

[@imhere653]

@@20alphabet I understand that. I regret (for all the artists that had to deal with his style) he was such a threatening, dangerous bully. I'm not so sure that element of his personality contributed to him being a musical giant. Maybe she could have met a different producer. Barry Gordy? It must have been terrifying for everyone that had to deal with him.

[@20alphabet]

@@imhere653 Lol, when you sell your soul to the Devil for fame and fortune there's always a nasty dowside.

[@imhere653]

@@20alphabet Lol? I'm wondering who your soul belongs to considering your insistence and devotion to being obtuse. For that, I will forget you now, realizing your rationale for any communication is to be disagreeable at any cost.

[@20alphabet]

@@imhere653 😆 as if cost factors into your nonsense.

[@stephaniecordero7776]

She was one of my favorite singer. May she rest in peace. 🙏 to her family

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

This might have been the finest looking 1960s girls group ever. These 3 were straight gorgeous back in the day 😍

[@SecTechie]

What an amazing talent! Sing in heaven Ronnie. You'll always be remembered. RIP.

[@bearnan57]

One of the greatest singers from the 60's ! R I P ! Ronnie Spector!!

[@iialohaxvivi406]

She sings my favorite Christmas song! I didn’t know this, Rest In Peace 💗💗💗

[@BeeHatGuy]

Brian Wilson carried a handun with him for a few years because he was convinced he was gonna try & kill him. Paul McCartney hated his guts

[@matthewwilson3202]

He held a gun to the head of one of the Ramones in the vocal booth as he didn't like their sense of vocal pitch

[@jjaa6157]

I don't blame Wilson for carrying a handgun, The man was out of his mind. I can imagine why Paul McCartney hated him.

[@fireflymiesumae]

Damn her husband looked like a mad scientist

[@GH-oi2jf]

You mean Spector. He was mad.

[@phillycheez6288]

😂🤣🤣🤣I can't...

[@molliesgame3381]

RIP Ronnie… I never knew who she was but I love that song 🎶 keep on singing in heaven RIP Beautiful

[@birdiecahill6929]

Fly free, sweet soul. Always loved that voice💚

[@consipracyitsallalie8899]

God so empowering may she Rest In Peace 🤍🤍🤍!!!.

[@jaegonzales9137]

Rest in Power Ronnie 🤎🙏🏽🌻

[@JaxsonsWorldoffical]

Btw there is a song about this its called Christmas kids by the band ROAR

[@Jhihmoac]

I liked how she made her comeback... In late 1985 Eddie Money (also RIP) suggested "If the song lyrics in _'Take Me Home Tonight'_ state 'Just like Ronnie sang' - then why can't we simply just get Ronnie to sing it? Where is that so impossible?" The rest is history!

[@BruhV52]

Betty White, Bob Saget, Young Dolph, and now Ronnie Spector?! So many loses this year, this is an awful start to 2022, I cant imagine how many other good people we will loose this year if this continues to happen consistently!!

[@khismet]

It will, however, these last 2 yrs has been a long season of mourning. Welcome to the new normal.

[@samoyed81966]

Not to mention Dwayne Hickman of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.

[@deed2157]

Young Dolph didnt die this year

[@dazem8]

sidney poitier as well

[@darkpisces8125]

People die everyday. Not just celebrities. And they don't make the news. Welcome to the real world.

[@itsjustme9354]

Her voice and features were absolutely jaw dropping ,pity she fell into the arms of a monster rest easy now Ronnie maybe he can finally give you an explanation to why he did such a thing to you.

[@daisydukes7682]

He won't be explaining a thing from hell. He was a deranged punk, a woman hater who resented her strength, charm, and tenacity to perform. Shame that he eventually murdered another woman inside his house.

[@jjaa6157]

She met a wonderful man who loved her unconditionally. Good for her.

[@msr1116]

It was a rough road until Ronnie met Jonathon. Be My Baby is the name of her book and it's quite a story. I have it among my close at hand collection of favs to reread.

[@nikig2891]

This was more about Phil than poor Ronni. Sad.

[@plotagonx3303]

R.I.P ♥

[@Irissabino]

I can’t believe! She was one of the best voices in this world! Sad news.

[@RER_worms_eye_view]

R.I.P. Ronnie❤

[@AfricancoolChic]

RIP 🙏🏿 Loved her stories. Jimi Hendrix left his tape in her car, just so he could see her again. She and Keith Richards were stranded after the car broke down and they knocked on a random House and a little old lady gave them tea. The group were one of the first women of colour to break the racial barrier in popularity.

[@taylor5973]

Never heard of her. May she Rest In Peace

[@domarq]

Yet....you clicked on the video?😒

[@taylor5973]

@@domarq I sure did. I even tried to search up her music and didn’t recognize anything. It’s okay I don’t know every famous person get out your feelings

[@Thecharmedonee]

I’m sure you’ve heard of The Rolling Stones well they opened up for the ronettes at one point

[@zap4980]

@@taylor5973 Ignore the trolls 🤔😐😀

[@28ebdh3udnav]

I was just listening to her music just last night

[@lucas47437]

christmas kids is based on this but RIP

[@ruzcelbeltran]

Rest in peace ronnie thank you for the amazing music

[@TheRickster08]

No matter how old she turned, she was always a fox

[@lunalea1250]

True!!

[@purplebutterflykisses8004]

@Scotty secretly loves Chryslers hater the woman is very Gorgeous and beautiful so as her sister and cousin. What do you look like?

[@R_JT69]

@Scotty secretly loves Chryslers 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@erinkinsella91]

@Scotty secretly loves Chryslers more of a self report than anything

[@patchchrist]

Agreed. Even when I saw her live in 2018, she still looked incredible.

[@luci4087]

condolences to her family and friends.

[@darkpisces8125]

Back in the 70s it happened a lot. Look at Tina Turner.

[@XXOVXXO__]

Girl Tina abuse started in the 60's 💀🤣

[@zacharyandrew8654]

Rip legend

[@paulaiuto3933]

She was an absolutely beauty and an amazing singer im 54 and have listened to her and the ronettes since child hood . It breaks my heart hereing of her passing.💔 rip Ronnie and thank u for all the amazing 🎶. and phil rot in hell you SOB.

[@PrincessofPower84]

Rest in peace, Ronnie. 💐

[@shckmlly5759]

He is so inspirational

[@miker4430]

She’s a legend and always will be

[@feliciajenkins5041]

I bet there is someone besides Lana Clarkson no one knows about. RIP Ronnie🥀

[@WoodJack99]

Wouldn’t surprise me 😢. Ronnie was such an inspiration.

[@rachelr3230]

Rest well beautiful lady .💓

[@chilloutpaul]

Really interesting story I would watch the docu or movie inspired

[@earlgoodlett7593]

great song

[@johnpeter4184]

The girls were first on stage in NYC at the Peppermint Lounge if I'm not mistaken. Heard on doc about the early girl groups. In spite of it all the music will live on. Ronnie's first hero was Frankie Lymon.

[@matthewdeckerofficial]

You’re right John!

[@lorrainebland3135]

Rest in peace God's Angle 🙏 😔 💔 so sad what a voice

[@SurelyGeo]

R.I.P REST . PIECE

[@Lamp4444]

Christmas kids lore:

[@Sch586]

I wish they would make a movie about her life❤

[@BelieverInChristJesus4ever]

Rest peacefully 😥

[@mamapoch1915]

Rest in Paradise, Ronnie! ❤️❤️❤️

[@orsonorion9681]

Always reminds me of mean streets 💯

[@Loulou______]

RIP Sweet beautiful soul

[@googleeastereggs6209]

First Betty white now Ronnie Spector

[@nikkinicole5588]

I don't know her but I know the song. May she rest in peace.

[@debrasopp6115]

She was a fantastic entertainer and she suffered abused by Specter.

[@marciawade9101]

He looked every bit the crazy! 😨

[@fireflymiesumae]

R.I.P

[@CS-zz6hp]

I always had a crush on her after I saw her on TV back in the middle 60's.

[@fabric.soundz]

It looked like a totally different time, that was carefree. She at least lived to see many eras and generations. RIP

[@rickhunter6479]

RIP 😢

[@tombuckle7460]

My God you just have to shine the light to,how much of a sob her first husband was ,give me a break let the woman be honored and remembered for the right reasons. Smh

[@liamwatson5125]

Well I’m not sad that Phil Spector died in prison.

[@emmarhondawilson7071]

Women, please be careful of whom you marry. Especially to a narcissistic man.

[@thenightriterpartii7724]

And Visa Versa Men.

[@maifolau6996]

rest in love to an Angel

[@jordyndowns2947]

😢😢😭😭😭

[@Fartfox]

Poor Ronnie…. Phil is a terrible person.

[@mrwalle4u]

Another amazing singer gone……. 🙏🏼

[@beautyisusinc.6883]

My God!” RIP Queen!” & The Ronnets Were Born In Brownsville Brooklyn NY Like Myself!”

[@nehsangbong7259]

Ronnie 💔

[@mishlang02]

R.I.P Ronnie at least she can see her sister again

[@Axtec36]

😭😭

[@Unknownlll123]

God takes the best and leaves the rest, at least he can't hurt her now, he's gone down and she's gone up with the angels, ❤.

[@kimsullivan5576]

He damn near killed her, well beyond herself. He tried to destroy her own soul.

[@c.jonesey7202]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@damaniqphillip2756]

Rip 🙏

[@MissPerriwinkle]

love u baby !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@geoev]

is crazy theres a song a about this also

[@bubbaschwartz]

Inside Edition did not know about Phil Spector they have to rehash the story for ratings. Cash in on Ronnie's death.

[@brittenyevans1101]

Very sad

[@arleneirvine1526]

any one could see phil specter was a dark, scary guy!

[@loconinja9231]

Rip to her

[@kookycoolauntkaryn5884]

2022 sucks for deaths already 😪 💔💔

[@LobsterRoc]

RIP

[@8arrows]

Same Ronnie Spector from the Eddie Money song “Take me Home Tonight”?

[@6m0nique2]

RIP MAMAS

[@emzmonroy5838]

The song😢 Play this song titled *Christmas Kids*

[@canadianpsycho1867]

Yes

[@Lonerkid3456]

🥺

[@journeymansmitty8283]

So that's who sang that song I remember hearing it when my parents used to play old recordings of it🤔

[@jericobb5685]

Great girl band 💖

[@TheConorsmithusa]

Why did she keep the last name Spector if she hated him?? Publicity ?