News

Estelle Bennett of the Ronettes Found Dead in New Jersey

New Jersey police found Estelle Bennett—one-third of The Ronettes—dead at her Englewood apartment on Wednesday after relatives were unable to reach the singer. The cause and time of Bennett's death are unknown at this time. She was 67.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Ronettes in 2007. They're widely-regarded as one of the most influential girl groups from Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" era, as heard on such '60s jams as "Be My Baby," "Walkin' in the Rain" and "Baby I Love You." The trio's last Spector production was 1966's "I Can Hear Music." They split up a year later.

"They could sing all their way right through a wall of sound," Keith Richards said as The Ronettes were inducted into the rock hall. "They didn't need anything. They touched my heart right there and then and they touch it still."

Bennett is survived by her daughter, Toyin Hunter, and three grandsons.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
02.13.09