Coolsisters of the Month

Sisters Estelle (on the right) and Veronica (Ronnie) Bennett (left) , and their cousin Nedra Talley (middle), were the Ronettes, a famous “girl” group in the 1960s. Like many groups, success was hardly overnight, with fits and starts until they met up with Phil Spector in 1963 and the rest is style and musical history. They had several mega-hits and toured with the Rolling Stones. Little know fact: the only Grammy Phil Spector (Mr. Wall of Sound himself) ever won for best sound effects was for the Ronettes hit “(Walking) In the Rain." Estelle attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and helped create their signature look (you didn’t think Amy Winehouse invented that beehive and eyeliner, did you?). Ronnie eventually married (and divorced) Phil Spector and Estelle had a series of famous suitors, including Mick Jagger, George Harrison and Johnny Mathis (you go, girl!) but sadly, had a harder time as the group faded and re-tried for new success and all three lost out on royalties owed to them by Phil Spector. In 2007 the Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (introduced by Keith Richards). Estelle died just a few weeks ago but we think cool never dies, and this YouTube clip proves it.