Friday, February 13, 2009

ESTELLE BENNETT (July 22, 1941 – February 11, 2009)



Estelle Bennett (photo R) one of the original members of that signature 60s Girl Group, The Ronettes, has passed. Along with her sister, Ronnie (Bennett) Spector, and their cousin, Nedra Talley, she gave us so much to dance and cry and sigh about. I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine where we’d be musically without them. After the break-up of the Ronettes, Estelle recorded a single on the Laurie label, called “The Year 2000/The Naked Boy.” I never heard that one, but the title sure makes me curious. I’ll bet if you have a copy of that today you really have something collectible. After that one single, Estelle quit the music business completely. She even declined to sing with her sister and cousin in 2007 when they were inducted into the rock and Roll Hall of Fame, giving only a few words of thanks instead.

The Ronettes share the top of my Girl Group pinnacle with The Shangri-Las. I know I learned more about life, love, and angst from them than from any other source. So, our condolences go out to Ronnie and Nedra and their families. And thanks to Estelle and the girls for all the good advice and handed-down girl wisdom. Here’s a sample of it:



Video by YT member whopfrog

3 comments:

AphotoAday said...

Hmmm...
Sad to say that I've had a few break-ups, but I can't remember a single make-up... But I guess that's what that other song about "a whole lot of other fish in the sea" is all about...

Unknown said...

Great stuff thanks! My #1 would have to be the Shirelles. They made my heart soar a million times as I place one of my first albums ever... over and over and over.

Deborah Godin said...

@ AphotoAday - Thanks for reminding me, time for another feature on The Marvelettes.

@Anxiety Boy - Oh yes, the Shirelles are great! If we're talkin' my Top Three girl groups, then they're right up there with the Ronettes and the Shangs.