The Ronettes - Walking In The Rain - 1964

I first heard "Walking In The Rain" in late 1964, I was just 12 years old, and from the moment I heard it, I was blown away by the special effects, its incredibly beautiful melody, but most of all by THAT voice, Ronnie Spector's unique voice, and her tender phrasing on this song is nothing short of perfection. There is an elegance of orchestration, of melodic build up, that make it a majestic and memorable song; but it's the believability of Ronnie's poignant vocals that make it a CLASSIC. I have the 45, I have the Spector box set, and now the song lives in my i-pod, it has been with me all these years, and it was time to pay it the tribute it deserves- This is what this little video is all about, an audiovisual honor to the artist, writers and producer, for having given us this most perfect of records.

About the song-
In November 1964, the Ronettes released "Walking In the Rain" (Philles 123), their most dramatic song to date. The Mann/Weil/Spector written ballad reached number twenty three and won a Grammy for Best Sound Effects, the only Grammy Spector ever received.

Ronnie Spector amazingly completed her vocals on the first take, and she did so beautifully- Her poignant phrasing and honest soulful singing is what makes this record so special and so believable. Add to that the haunting ethereal chorus by Estelle and Nedra and lush and dramatic "Wall of Sound" orchestration/production by Phil Spector and you have the perfect teen rock symphony.

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  Music

[Mike Starr]

wow same age same sentiments thanks terrific

[boopkid]

Thanks for posting and for the compliment.

[ovalroom2]

I'm getting on now but when I was a kid I lived in a smallwest country town in England and I could buy almost everything that came out of motown ...singles 7/6 for those that remember £.s.d.and loads of stuff that came out of America...I've always heard that it was tough to be heard being black artists...was my town lucky with an enlightened record store owner...I don't know but I thank god that this music is part of my life I've always loved it!!..and always will LOVE MOTOWN

[boopkid]

Thanks for your post, black artists began to be heard as of the early 60's, but the evolution began much earlier, by the time the Ronettes came along, black artists were prominently being heard here in America. I just want to clarify that the Ronettes were NOT a Motown group, they recorded for Philles records headed by Phil Spector, a completely different sound from Motown's. Both great in their own style.

[1974sundevil]

I was a 16 year old senior in high school when I first heard this in '64. And of course, I was in love with Ronnie Spector. Since then I have seen and heard a lot of perfromances (I was at Woodstock, etc.) ane heard thousands of records and recordings. I am now 65 and I still beleive that Walking in the Rain by the Ronettes is, quite simply, the best and most perfect romantic Rock and Roll song ever written, produced, and performed.

[boopkid]

Thanks for posting your memory of it. It is quite simply perfection in every way.

[Alan Green]

RONNIE SPECTOR HAD A GREAT VOICE BACK THAN AND SHE WAS SO PRETTY

[centralparocker]

Can only be described as one of the greatest songs ever....!!!!

[MrRJDB1969]

True, The Ronettes were apart of the "Wall of Sound" created by Phil Spector and had nothing what so ever to do with Motown.

[47barolo]

Nedra = 10+

Wall of sound and Ronnie's voice and Nedra and Estelle in the background... heaven on vinyl.

[frankie hunter]

This is my favourite Spector production. I could hear it all day long.

[OPNURISYDER]

I knew there was something different about girls. When this song came out I was about to figure out what it was. I haven't been right since.

[Richard Potter]

I was the same age and I was in love with Ronnie

[wolf man gunn]

Beauty not only in face but in voice. Man, those were the days.

[Graham Smith]

Ronnie Ronnette....Pure sex on legs.!!! Incredible voice too..!!

[Irish O]

Wow!

Great production..........super music.