Estelle Bennett at 2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

[nystar1881]

If only we knew how many strangers love us. Estelle in Teaneck-NJ all alone. Unh unh.

[FancyPant1122]

I'm glad Estelle lived long enough to become inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame

[bigtimer1254]

I started keeping up re-inquiries about the Ronettes about '07. And was happy to know that all of them were still alive. The Ronettes were the best female vocals of all time, along with my favorite Christmas song Sleigh Ride, and my all-time Be My Baby. And when we loose one of them just tears me apart.It really hurts me, to know Estelle died. They are family to me. I love you Estelle. Rest in peace.

[ruffian1868]

No need to introduce yourself beautiful lady. Music lovers will forever know who YOU are :)

[cherrypop1771]

According to Ronnie's bio, altough she and Estelle both had boyfriendsin the States, they both decided to come on dinner dates with John and George. Since their mom chaperoned their tours, the romances stayed chaste. John being married was a jerk to play with Ronnie's feelings like that. Before reading the book, I never knew George like to date woman of all races. Fans stated he always had the prettiest girls.

[UPX4014]

I wish I could build a time machine and go back to 1966 or 67 when The Ronettes broke up. I would've found Estelle and prevented what happened to her in the years after that. If it meant having to stay with her and never returning to the present with the time machine, it's sacrifice I'd be willing to make knowing that she'd have a better life in the decades ahead. I would've even been willing to marry her!

[TheBaronsamedi88]

Nice to see she was there to receive the award. Bless her.

[linardp3]

miss nedra looks really warm and classy! a new fan here... and oh her 'full circle' song is rrrreally staying in my laptop ;)

[desert3347]

If Anyone Is Interested About "Nedra", See Her Interview On the PTL Channell.

She Is A Beautiful, Intelligent, Well Read Woman who Is Far From A

Religious Fanatic But A Religious Woman. Her Mother Was Instramential In

Getting The "Ronnettes" Their Start In Music!

[zodiolestes]

@OVtigerstripe Estelle DID suffer from Mental Illness, and she was even Homeless for awhile(someone else raised her daughter Taryin). Her Official cause of Death was Listed as Colon Cancer( Also a possible Stroke?)Be Careful of the Questions you ask about your Favourite Stars? You may not like the answers... I thought that I wanted to know the intimate details of Marvelette Wanda Youngs Life? BIG MISTAKE!!! What I dicovered about her private life after Motown MADE MY HAIR STAND ON MY NECK!!!!

[47yesican]

@zodiolestes Estelle always had a "Vacant" look in her Eyes. I grew up listening to

the Ronnettes & wondering why Estelle had "that look".

Now I Know. rip Estelle

[zodiolestes]

@47yesican I "Beg" your pardone!!! Estelles mental illness did not begin until AFTER The Ronettes broke up in 1967!!! Something went dreadfully wrong with Estelle by 1972. I don't think that she was able to adjust to "civilian life" after Show Biz...

[OVtigerstripe]

Estelle....I'll miss you now and always. ....and now these bitter hands cradle broken glass, ......of what was everything.....

my heart is now empty.....

no more sun

no more flowers

no more love

goodbye sweetie

[newcastlerabbit]

Estelle was one stunning woman.RIP.

[coolsweetgroovy]

Nedra lookslike my mom

[mollysangelique]

net,awake,niet,geroepen,balen,­ik,ben,bit,slecht,on,orde,hy,h­eeft,me,niet,awoke,,zp,dichtby­,je,vergeten,ik,raar

[Ilvcamusic]

Just Posted with Nedra, Estelle & Ronnie exceptance Speaches!

Estelle, quiet, Nedra the ever Beautiful Classy Lady,

& Ronnie, Who Just Blew Me Away======

Ronnie Was So Funny, Sweet and Tearful.

[paulouk83]

is that nedra in the gold dress??

[coolsweetgroovy]

@paulouk83 yes

[OVtigerstripe]

@paulouk83 Yes, that is her.

[coolsweetgroovy]

RIP Estelle Bennett

[Greatersend]

@coolsweetgroovy Wow..I didn't know she pass. I'm a huge fan of the group and I'm surprise that the media didn't recognized her death., Actually, what was her story?

[coolsweetgroovy]

@Greatersend Estelle died from complications from her stroke

[OVtigerstripe]

@coolsweetgroovy All of the reports that I have read, state that she died from untreated colon cancer......same thing that my grt aunt died from, G_d rest their souls. Both women, Estelle(so I've heard) and my grt aunt were very gentle and loving women with hearts of gold!!

[coolsweetgroovy]

@OVtigerstripe Wow so sad

[PAMAROSHOUSE]

@Greatersend if you were such a huge fan you would have known of her passing

[Greatersend]

@PAMAROSHOUSE Sorry, but the media never publicized it. I had to get the information on Youtube. Besides, I may be a huge fan but I don't have to know everything what's go on in their lives.

[PAMAROSHOUSE]

@Greatersend well then,you are not a huge fan.

[promerops]

To describe Estelle Bennett as 'pretty' is like calling Stephen Hawking 'bright' - she was exquisite. Like so many others, I wish I could have helped her. To misquote Don Mclean: "But I could have told you Estelle, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you".

[OVtigerstripe]

@promerops She was a woman among women. What a beautiful, gentle old soul. Estelle was.....a true human being....of the finest sense.....what a tragic loss .

[promerops]

@OVtigerstripe It takes one to know one, I suspect (not me! You!).

[OVtigerstripe]

@promerops Are you giving a compliment? If so, I thank you. You're going to make me blush. I don't take compliments well. G_d bless you.

[promerops]

@OVtigerstripe Yep!

[Niteowl128]

Estelle has such a sweet voice, RIP to a great Ronette

[TheBabyboomkidof53]

to bad estelle, could'nt proform one more time with ronnie, and nedra,agian. but you can tell nedra, is watching her close for any signs of trouble. they were afraid she was'nt mentally strong enough to handle singing in the spotlight agian. her mind was very confused and disoriented as it had been for years and had only gotten worse. pity. I always thought she was the prettiest one.

[OVtigerstripe]

@TheBabyboomkidof53 Me, too. I heard she was kinda sick that night. Who knows.

[mamalovestv]

Thank you for this! I always loved the ronettes!

[8291963]

yes it's Nedra, who is the other one ?

[SandySummers]

the woman in the gold shiny outfit doesn't look like Nedra. Is it Nedra?

[Desiree50]

@SandySummers Yes Sandy the woman in the gold shiny gown is Nedra,she still looks good

[SandySummers]

Thanks Desiree.

[coolsweetgroovy]

@Desiree50 I agree with you sista

[Desiree50]

@coolsweetgroovy love u lil sista because your you and your the best.plus your such a old soul i love it.peaceDesiree

[coolsweetgroovy]

@Desiree50 Thanks big sista love you too

[jennifersenn]

Thanks for putting this up. Do you have Ronnie and Nedra's acceptance speeches? I have read Ronnie's on her website, but I would love to hear what Nedra said!

[sierria64]

RIP ESTELLE

[ScriptWorker]

Hi, would be lovely to see the whole of the award receiving moment for the Ronettes. Do you have that available??

Thank you for posting this.

[zodiolestes]

yes, i agree. Estelle had a lovely soprano voice, tho it wasnt as strong as Nedras alto... Come to think of it, they probably found Estelles body on Feb.11th, since we were already posting the news,here on Feb.13th

[promerops]

@zodiolestes I've often wondered who is was that sang the beautiful counterpoint to Ronnie on "The Best Part of Breaking Up". Could it have been Estelle, or just one of Spector's corps of backup singers. Does anyone know?

[zodiolestes]

@promerops It was Estelles Lovely soprano on "The Best Part Of Breaking Up" (1964)& "Chapel Of Love"(in 1963-BEFORE The Dixie Cups in 64!) Nedras alto can also be heard in the 2nd stanza singing along with Ronnie on the latter record. I know its frustrating that Phil Spector used so many imposter voices on his recordings! He even used Cher on "Walking In The Rain"(1964). But ONLY Veronica-Estelle& Nedra were featured on " I Wonder"(1963)"Do I Love You?"(1964)& "I Can Hear Music"(1966)

[promerops]

@zodiolestes Thanks very much for the info - you're very well informed! I'll listen very carefully to my copy of "Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes" again. I always suspected that it was the genuine article on "I Wonder" - it's a distinctive vocal sound - as per their studio live version of "What'd I Say". While we're talking, how were the lead vocal duties shared when they performed on the road (e.g. Beatles last tour, Dick Clark's Caravan, etc) without Ronnie?

[zodiolestes]

@promerops Nedra took on the Leads for The Beatles tour without Ronnie, while Estelle & cousin Elaine were on Back-ups AND I DO have Pix! (Nedra was panned by the Music Critics!). F.Y.I. The Ronettes cousins, sisters Elaine & Diane often substituted for the Ronettes during a few concert tours. They were in fact "Original" Members of Ronnie & The Relatives from 1959 to 1961, til their "Religious Fanatic Mom" refused to sign their contract with Colpix in 1961, so the girls had to exit the group.

[OVtigerstripe]

@promerops I am not sure myself. What I do know, and love, is Estelle's soprano in, "Silhouettes" in '62!! That angelic voice sends me to heaven and STILL gives me the "chills" whenever I hear it!!!

[promerops]

@OVtigerstripe Hi Stripey! Please see the reply from zodiolestes, above. I haven't ever heard "Silhouettes", I'm afraid. The only Colpix era song I have heard was just one (it might have been "I'm on the Wagon") on the UK tv show "Here Come the Girls" - a short-lived series in 1964, The Ronettes did one when they were over, on their first UK tour, I think it was. I have asked Jim Witty, the host of "Jim's Child of the 60s" podcast, to see if he can find and air "The Naked Child".

[OVtigerstripe]

@promerops I really like the original version of "Silhouettes" by The Rays. As far as this song being sung by a female band, The Ronettes version is the only one that I know of. I really love the version that The Ronettes recorded. I think that you'll really like it, too. I especially love Estelles beautiful soprano! It just sends me out of this world!!

[OVtigerstripe]

@zodiolestes Yes, Kevin called the police and asked them to enter Estelle's apartment on the morning of the 11th.

[promerops]

@OVtigerstripe It seems as if Kevin Dilworth was a really good friend in need to Estelle. For that alone he deserves his place in heaven, in my opinion.

[OVtigerstripe]

@promerops I believe that Kevin met Ronnie in the spring or summer of '73. He became friends with Estelle some time afterwards; not sure when. Ronnie does not even mention in her auto. when they, or he and Estelle became friends. All I know is that he was a friend of the family since '73. Supposedly, and it is probably true, Estelle had a boyfriend the past 15 years. I would like to know where he was. Maybe it was Kevin but I really doubt it. I have NEVER heard of him having a romantic

[OVtigerstripe]

@promerops relationship with either woman. This is not to say that it didn't happen at some point. I do not know the man but already think somewhat highly of him. It was noble of him to "look after" Estelle. I think that she probably needed a little guidance now and then. But, so much of her life has been kept a mystery since '72. I am still trying to find out if and when Estelle and Joey Dong ever divorced or whether he died. I tell you though, had I married that woman, I would have never

[OVtigerstripe]

@promerops let her go for nothing. I have been through tough times. My ex-fiance was sick most of the time I was with her. I am a man who is always in it for the "long haul". I don't give up. My ex suffered with migraines most days of the week aside from other things. I really loved that woman and would have taken care of her, if I had to, for the rest of her days. I believe that I have a kind and loving heart. Shame,....no woman seems to want me. I guess good guys do finish last.

[JCDarcy]

I miss her....

Her voice is so cute.

[zodiolestes]

Retraction* Estelles body couldnt have been found on feb.17th,we were already posting about it here on feb.16. Damn journalists!

[zodiolestes]

they found her dead on feb.17,in her apartment. The official cause of death was complications from colon cancer,on feb.11. She was 67.

[OVtigerstripe]

@tayishere202 In case you do not know already, and you are still curious about how Estelle Bennett(of The Ronettes) died, it was stated by the coroner that she died of untreated colon cancer. People with any one of several mental conditions or illnesses, are infamous for not taking care of their personal health needs. G_d rest her precious soul.

[dpohunter]

Maruku86, you got it right. It takes a lot to make my eyes soggy, but this short clip is so heartbreaking. Considering all she had endured, Estelle was still able to be there for the honor she so richly deserved.

Bless you, Estelle. Your star is eternal.

[PaulDePace]

Nedra Talley-Ross, a cousin of the Bennett sisters, said that Estelle had led a hard life, struggling with anorexia and schizophrenia. Ross also said Bennett had dated people like Mick Jagger, George Harrison, Johnny Mathis and George Hamilton decades ago.

"She was quiet; not pretentious at all. She had a very, very good heart. Not a bad bone in her body. Just kindness," Nedra Ross said.

[maruku86]

This brought a tear to my eyes... seeing and hearing that sweet Estelle smiling, and with the same innocense in her voice as always, despite the things she've been through. May the angels lead you into paradise!

Btw, does anyone have the solo record she released on mp3? Please pm me if you do!

[jennifersenn]

I know -- me too! She's just smiling so big and looking so proud. Her one, last big night after all the years of sadness.

[OVtigerstripe]

@jennifersenn Thank G_d for that!

[PaulDePace]

Ronnie embarrassed herself with her ramblng, disjointed, sometimes offensive time at the microphone at the HOF dinner. There were smatterings of boo's from the audience during her "presentation". But what else is new? Ronnie has been embarrassing herself for years on stage trying to reprise talent that left her long , long ago. So what's one more time? Nedra? Well-prepared. Ariticulate. Classy. Humble. Thankful. (No shock that Nedra and Ronnie have barely spoken for 40 years.)

[deep71483]

Nedra is so cool. I knew there was tension now that you mentioned it, I felt it from the video.

[OVtigerstripe]

@PaulDePace I understand what you mean! There was one thing in particular that I couldn't believe that she said. I just said to myself, "Good G_d Ronnie, I can't believe you just said that in front of all those people"! But that's her, always trying to do something for shock value.

[PaulDePace]

There is a lot of %#$! flying on here... But one thing I think is inappropriate is the farther below distasteful reference to Estelle Bennett... Estelle was nothing but a quiet, sweet girl, who struggled with many emotional and physical issues as an adult but never lost her sweetness. She never pushed her opinions on her sister or cousin, and just loved being a Ronette. She designed or picked out their stage clothes and, obviously, did a great job! Show some respect for Estelle.

[Abracadabra1382]

Someone needs to get all of the ronetts speaking at the rock and roll hall of fame!

[OVtigerstripe]

@Abracadabra1382 Well, you can probably count Nedra out. She doesn't regret being a Ronette and she is proud of her and the group's accomplishments but, because of her family obligations and those concerning her husband, Scott, she probably won't. Elaine might do it but, Ronnie is the only one that would definitely do it. Don't even know anything about Diane but, she wasn't with the group long enough really. She could speak a little on the group but not much.

[MotownConnoisseur30]

God Bless Estelle

[JReyes123]

ronnie is still hot

[zodiolestes]

People keep saying that Estelle was fated be in Ronnies' shadow.Well, I don't buy that... You have to remember, that being a back-up singer back then was hardly the anonymous stardom that it is today(even the musicians outrank the back-up singers, today!) Truth be told,NOT everyone was a fan of the groups LEAD SINGER-the back-ups had an equal amount of fans-sometimes more!They certainly did most of the groups work-making the Lead singer sound good-Heres to YOU Estelle-the VOICE of the Ronettes!!

[xxbabyj101]

It's funny you should say that, because Estelle and Nedra never acctually sang back up on any of the hits. It was all Cher, Darlene Love and Ellie Greenwich. A big reason why Phil Spector tried to stop them from being inducted in. Phil was never acctually interested in Estelle or Nedra, he just wanted Ronnie, but her mother insisted that he sign them all or nobody.

[zodiolestes]

DISAGREE! I distinctly know Estelle& Nedras voices. And I hear them on "Do I Love You?""I Can Hear Music"& their "Live" recording of" What'D I Say",AND,I hear Estelles soprano on "The Best Part Of Breaking Up"& "Chapel Of Love"-Wait! Don't tell me!-that was Fanita James???

Phil Spector is simply a jealous-psychotic- bastard-who will LIE about ANYTHING!!!

[xxbabyj101]

Dude even Ronnie outed them on this in her book. Estelle and Nedra were only used during tours, and acted as backing during live shows. But on the records it was whoever was around the studio. Phil didn't even have them in the studio he would only want to record her, cause her voice was really all he cared about. Cher even tells the same story, because Phil would yell at her of cause her big voice would overpower Darlene's & others. Sorry to burst your bubble but it's not them singing.

[zodiolestes]

OH REALLY??? Mister-know-it-all???

Well, if you read Veronicas book C-A-R-E-F-U-L-L-Y, you would discover that Ronnie said that Nedra& Estelle weren't ALWAYS featured on their records:"Sometimes Phil would add their voices;sometimes not..." Nevermind all the "Yocky-Dock"-Let your ears do the testing!!! Listen to their live performance of "Silhouettes";then listen to "What'DI Say?""Do I Love You?"&"I Can Hear Music" and tell me they're NOT the same group!!! Talk what you KNOW! -WERE YOU THERE???

[xxbabyj101]

I WAS THERE! lol WTF does that matter? Were YOU there?! You are just making an ass of yerself now honey. And I said the HITS fool! The songs you just listed never charted. I'm talking the shit that mattered Be My Baby Baby, I Love You Walking In The Rain! You can list all your faverite songs you want, and type in CAPs all you need, it's not ganna make you right. Besides who cares they can't now so what does it matter!

[zodiolestes]

Uh-Oh-GANGRENE just set in...

(Cookie,is this you,again?)

You were there,huh?-In what capacity?-Gopher???Here's what I DO know.

F.Y.I. By 1965 Cher was busy singing her"own" hits(I can hear Cher's BIG MOUTH only on "Walking In The Rain");Ellie Greenwich had started her own record company;Darlene Love& Fanita James were busy singing on T.V.s"Shindig";And the Crystals were fired! So, who the fuck else was even around-YOU ICONOCLASTIC BASTARD!

[xxbabyj101]

LMAO! Are you still on this? Cher was doing flops like Dream Baby and Ringo I love You. Sure the Crystals were fired but I never mentioned them. You forgot Darlene Love but then again so does everyone else. And like Phil Spictor wouldn't have other background singers? Get over it! It's not them singing on the HITS! Who cares? Estelle Bennett is worm delly now. Icons? They are a girl group not Buddhas. Just because they got into The Rock Hall doesnt mean shit, nobody cares about that hall.

[zodiolestes]

Disclaimer: ATTENTION MUST NOT BE PAID! Just because some EGOMANIAC FOOL(a.k.a.xxbaby) posts something on this site after HALF-ASSED reading Ronnies book doesn't make it Gospel. Yes, Phil had the "Gospel Chorus" recording for him,but he LOVED the Ronettes(particularly Ronnie) and he didn't sour on them 'til after Ronnie left him. I think I remember you on the Motown sites,maybe you should go back there-Then, again you didn't know what the hell you were talking about over there,either...(Yawn!)

[OVtigerstripe]

@zodiolestes If I understand what you are saying correctly, I agree with you. I KNOW that Estelle's voice is the one producing that wonderful soprano sound on "Silhouettes". The producer at Colpix never replaced any one of them with substitutes. They all sang very well. It is true that Spector used many voices. It is true that he most often times recorded Ronnie first and then overdubbed with many other voices. I do believe that Ronnie said that a few times, their voices weren't recorded.

[OVtigerstripe]

@zodiolestes What I believe is NOT TRUE,as stated by xxbabyj101, is that Estelle and Nedra were ONLY used for backing during road shows. That simply is not true. He said that he was there, well, I'd like to know his/her name for confirmation sake. I think that his/her comment about Estelle being "worm delly now" is so dispicable. They are loathsome for speaking of the dead in such a low-down, disrespectful, dishonorable way!! Just shamful!

[zodiolestes]

@OVtigerstripe Don't worry I READ @xxbaby101 OFF THIS SITE awhile ago,I think it was on Norm Gregorys "Ronettes Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Awards" column! Trust me, he wasn't even "Born" at the time that he tries to write so Eloquently & Authoratively. EXAMPLE: He stated that it was "Estelle" that was "The Religious Fanatic," when it was in fact, Nedra!!! DON'T WORRY, I GOT HIM GOOOOOOOD!!!!

[Desiree50]

@xxbabyj101 You know your stuff,i read that same story too.peace Des

[Desiree50]

@xxbabyj101 i heard the same exact story.

[ferstday]

Thanks for putting this up, especially since she didn't perform during the induction ceremony.

I too am glad she lived long enough to receive the award. RIP E. Bennett.

[zodiolestes]

Thanx, Norm-although I would have LUVED to see the entire acceptance speech by the group...

Miss ya' Estelle

R.I.P.

[BlackOut628]

Estelle I love you! God bless your family

[pewmanfustudios]

Does anyone have the audio to the song "The Year 2000" that Estelle Bennett did as a solo artist?

[lonelystreet]

i agree with all of the above. R>I>P. estelle. lonelystreet

[antbanks35]

RIP Estelle Bennett........

[PaulDePace]

This video is a wonderful tribute to Estelle...it says it all to those who held her in esteem. Although struggling in life, Estelle had one more time in the spotlight that night in March of 2007... She was valadictorian of her high school class, and by all who knew her, sweet, shy, quiet. The challenges that Estelle dealt with are a reminder to all of us to live and appreciate each day we, a day we were not promised, and to count the blessings we have, and not take things for granted.

[antbanks35]

AMEN!!!

[skipper8257]

@PaulDePace

Very very well said Paul.

[tupelo563]

Thanks for posting this. My thoughts and prayers to Estelle's family, Ronnie, and Nedra. And to Estelle, we wont forget............Godspeed.

[settenor1963]

God bless you Estelle,a beautiful girl inside and out,a Ronette for ever. R.I.P.

You will NEVER be forgotten.