Ellie Greenwich, R.I.P.

Ellie Greenwich, one of the greatest pop songwriters of the 1960s, has died at the age of 68.  She is responsible for co-writing (with her partner/husband Jeff Barry) songs like “Be My Baby” for the Ronettes, “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “Then He Kissed Me” for the Crystals, and “Chapel of Love” for the Dixie Cups.  She was also one of the rock era’s first female producers, helping to shape Neil Diamond‘s first songs as a performer including “Cherry Cherry” and “Solitary Man.”  A true giant in the music field.

Los Angeles Times obituary on Ellie Greenwich

MP3: “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes

MP3: “Then He Kissed Me” by the Crystals

MP3: “Leader Of The Pack” by the Shangri-Las

MP3: “Do Wah Diddy” by Manfred Mann

Ellie Greenwich official website

YouTube: The Crystals, “Da Doo Ron Ron”