Girl group powerhouse has gone

Ronnie Spector, the bee-hived rock 'n roller who sang such 1960s hits as Be My Baby and Baby I Love You as leader of girl group the Ronettes has died at 78.

"Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude and a wicked sense of humor," a family statement said after she died on Wednesday from cancer.

The Ronettes' powerful voices made them a premier act.

Born Veronica Bennett, Ronnie with sister Estelle and cousin Nedra had hits with masterpieces and sexy looks.

"We weren't afraid to be hot," Spector recalled. "When we saw the Shirelles walk on stage with their wide party dresses we squeezed into the tightest skirts we could find. Then we'd go on stage and hike them up to show our legs even more.''

Ronnie married record producer Phil Spector in 1968, but he locked her in their Beverly Hills mansion, she said. They divorced in 1974. He was sent to prison in 2009 for murdering actress Lana Clarkson and died in 2021.

After the Ronettes broke up Ronnie continued to tour.

She is survived by husband Jonathan Greenfield and sons Jason and Austin.