Estelle Bennett, R.I.P.

Dan Gibson | February 13, 2009 11:00 am
Estelle Bennett of the Ronettes was found dead in her New Jersey home on Wednesday. Although her sister Ronnie Bennett (later Spector) was the girl group’s star, Estelle and her cousin Nedra were undeniably part of its massive vocal presence on the group’s string of hits from 1963 to 1965, not to mention its tough-girl image. After the group broke up in 1966, Estelle recorded one solo single then retreated from the spotlight. While she chose not to perform with Ronnie and Nedra at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2007, she appeared in honor of the Ronettes’ induction, saying simply “I would just like to say, thank you very much for giving us this award. I’m Estelle of the Ronettes, thank you.” A few of the Ronettes’ classic tracks are below the cut.

“Is This What I Get For Loving You?”:

“I Can Hear Music”:

“You Came You Saw You Conquered”:

“(The Best Part Of) Breaking Up”:

Bennett was 67.

Estelle Bennett [Star Gazette]