Tributes pour in for Ronnie Spector, who has died aged 78

Friends, fans and fellow musicians have been paying tribute to the iconic American singer Ronnie Spector, following news of her death yesterday.

In a statement from her family, published on Ronnie's official website, it was revealed that she passed away "peacefully" following "a brief battle with cancer."

"Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face," the statement continues. "She was filled with love and gratitude.

"Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her. In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requested that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund. A celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the future."

Ronnie – born Veronica Bennett – initially rose to prominence as the leader singer of the girl group The Ronettes, formed in 1957. The majority of the group's recordings were produced by Phil Spector – who Ronnie married in 1968, before separating from in 1972. In her 1990 memoir, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, she opened up about the abuse she was subjected to by her former husband.

In 2007, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Ronettes.

Brian Wilson is among those to have paid tribute to the singer – describing her as "a very special person and a dear friend," whose "music and spirit will live forever."

I just heard the news about Ronnie Spector and I don’t know what to say. I loved her voice so much and she was a very special person and a dear friend. This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever.
Love & Mercy, Brianhttps://t.co/dXZKTMWv8a

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 12, 2022

Stevie Van Zandt reflected that it was an honour to "produce her and encourage her to get back on stage... where she remained for the next 45 years."

Joan Jett also paid tribute, describing Ronnie as "the sweetest person you could ever know."

Gene Simmons of Kiss stated that he "was proud to have spent some time with Ronnie at A&M Studios, listening to her tell stories about the early years of rock 'n roll."

Margo Price described Ronnie as "the true embodiment of rock and roll, a survivor, a pioneer and the original bad girl."

"Her autobiography changed my life and when we became sort of pen pals, I was star struck," she continued. "I cried off all of my eyeliner and mascara when I read the news.

"Ronnie and I had been in touch over the last year about her singing on a song of mine. She wrote me on Monday, bur I still cant believe she’s gone. Her music, her voice and her spark will never die. fly on Ronnie, I’ll love you forever."

Chuck D of Public Enemy also took to Twitter to share a portrait of Ronnie.

Ronnie SPEctor Peace pic.twitter.com/3uDmRV7Fpn

— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) January 13, 2022

See more tributes to Ronnie Spector below:

R.I.P. Ronnie Spector, August 10, 1943 – January 12, 2022. Here she is singing "Be My Baby" with the Ronettes in 1965. pic.twitter.com/rnfTKfSVKx

— dusttoodigital (@dusttoodigital) January 12, 2022

Travel onward well, mighty Ronnie Spector.

— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) January 12, 2022

"The voice"

Ladies and Gentlemen Ronnie Spector.

RIP. Icon. pic.twitter.com/I4JpyxnpWu

— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) January 12, 2022

Steven Van Zandt, Ronnie Spector, Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny at the Record Plant Studio, New York City, 1976 #RIPRonnieSpector pic.twitter.com/xhkRHtM7qe

— Rhino Records (@Rhino_Records) January 12, 2022

REST IN PEACE RONNIE 💔 THE ORIGINAL, THE REBEL, THE BAD GIRL, THE GENIUS! WE WILL LISTEN TO YOU FOREVER. THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE YOU SHOWED ME. YOU ARE MY HERO. pic.twitter.com/8coIa3SjXL

— hurray for the riff raff (@HFTRR) January 13, 2022

She was the epitome of cool. One of the first black girls of rock n roll. We can only aspire to be like her. Rest In Power, Ronnie Spector. You were everything. pic.twitter.com/rgxy75nWre

— bianca xunise (@biancaxunise) January 12, 2022

Farewell, legend and music icon Ronnie Spector. I imagine Be My Baby will play on repeat across the globe today. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/mJKCjJ3yBx

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 12, 2022

RIP the amazing Ronnie Spector RS pic.twitter.com/82cZzYei1z

— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) January 12, 2022