Just got the news that legendary singer Ronnie Spector (lead singer of the Ronettes) has passed away from cancer, at age 78. What a great voice she had. Rest in peace.

When I was not-quite-yet a teenager, Ronnie Spector went into the spotlight once again by teaming up with Eddie Money on the hit record, "Take Me Home Tonight." Although I am certain that I had heard "Be My Baby" on oldies stations, it completely went over my head that the lyrics on the Eddie Money song were making reference to Ronnie Spector and that the female vocal was provided by Ronnie.

Spector was a smoker since she was a teenager, and according to a transcript of an interview that I just read, she and the other Ronettes were encouraged to smoke in order to appear more mature. Of course, as a 14 year old, Ronnie's reaction was, "cool!"