In the early 1960's there was a major lull of rock n' roll (well, in America) between the explosion of the genre in the 50's and the British invasion. The one sliver of hope that was keeping rock and roll together during this time was the Girl Groups. Don't tell me that there isn't one girl group song you don't like, if there is then there is something wrong with you.
Behind these bad ass singers were also bad ass women songwriters: Carole King and Ellie Greenwich. Sadly, Ellie past away of a heart attack yesterday.
Greenwich along with her then-husband Jeff Barry and producer Phil Spector wrote many hits rote "Be My Baby" and "Baby, I Love You" for the Ronettes, "Then He Kissed Me" and "Da Doo Ron Ron" for the Crystals, "Chapel of Love" for the Dixie Cups, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Darlene Love, and "River Deep, Mountain High" for Ike and Tina Turner. The duo also teamed with another great girl-group producer, George "Shadow" Morton, to create "Leader of the Pack" for the Shangri-Las. Holy Crap!
At this time when many women were still at home, this woman created some of the best songs of the last century. I still get chills whenever I hear "Be My Baby"
Ellie, Rest In Peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Be nice!