Ellie Greenwich passed away this week at the age of 68. Greenwich was an American pop songwriter and record producer, best known for her songs co-written with ex-husband, Jeff Barry. Greenwich worked with Phil Spector, the Ronettes, The Crystals, Connie Francis, Leslie Gore, The Beach Boys, The Shangri-Las, Ike and Tina Turner, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Neil Diamond, Cyndi Lauper, and many more. She earned 25 gold and platinum records. Below is a clip from my favorite. My heart is still overwhelmed every time I hear the part in “Be My Baby” when it draws close to the song’s conclusion, and suddenly it all drops to a beat for a moment… and then continues on to its bittersweet end.
You know I will adore you/ Till eternity
The Ronettes performance on the Big T.N.T. Show, 1966
Related Link: NPR stories on Greenwich