Ronnie Spector: Rock-and-roll’s Original Bad Girl

“She loves attention - she’d sing to a pineapple.” - La La Brooks of The Crystals, on today’s Doll: Ronnie Spector

Ronnie needs no introduction. With her sister Estelle and her cousin Nedra, Ronnie broke down barriers and paved the way as pop music royalty and rock-and-roll’s original bad girl. The fabulous Ronettes even boasted the likes of the Beatles AND Rolling Stones in their leagues of fans! But Ronnie’s story is just as much of survival as it is of rock-and-roll. Neither would’ve been possible without her fiery unbreakable spirit. Hear about Ronnie’s 5-decade career of “mascara, miniskirts, and madness” on today’s episode of the Dolls Podcast, available wherever you stream your podcasts 💄💋

Be sure to follow @thedollspod on Instagram to see photos and clips mentioned in this episode!

(Episode starts at 4:14)

Books: Ronnie Spector with Vince Waldron, “Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, or My Life As a Fabulous Ronette”

Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz, “But Will You Love Me Tomorrow? An Oral History of 60s Girl Groups”

Songs in this episode:

The Ronettes - Be My Baby (1963)

Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers - Why Do Fools Fall In Love? (1956)

The Crystals - He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss) [1962]

The Ramones - Baby I Love You (1980)

Eddie Money - Take Me Home Tonight (1986)

Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (2006)

Ronnie Spector - Back To Black (2011)

Special thanks to friend of the show Michael Tegio for our podcast theme song!