Words By Ryan Oxley
A recent charity shop find of mine was a music memoir of incredible revelations. One of my all-time favourite songs is 'Be My Baby' by The Ronettes and upon picking up Ronnie Spector's memoir, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness for a bargain £2.00, I was looking forward to finding out more. The real surprise was how utterly compelling her life story was (she died in 2022) and even features a story or two about my other favourites: The Beatles.
This is a fascinating account of Ronnie's life in the limelight as the lead singer of the iconic girl group, The Ronettes, and her tumultuous marriage to the infamous producer Phil Spector. First published in 1990 and later expanded with a new edition, the book offers an unvarnished glimpse into the highs and lows of a music career intertwined with personal struggles and survival.
From the outset, Spector’s voice in the book is candid, energetic, and conversational. She invites readers into her world with warmth, reliving the glory days of her youth growing up in New York's Spanish Harlem and the meteoric rise of The Ronettes. With their signature beehive hairdos, thick eyeliner, and unforgettable harmonies, The Ronettes became one of the most influential girl groups of the 1960s. Their hits, including the famous "Be My Baby," were characterized by Phil Spector’s "Wall of Sound" production style, and the group enjoyed international success. Ronnie Spector’s recollections of this period capture the excitement and pressures of fame, but her anecdotes are what truly bring the story to life. From hanging out with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to performing on television and world tours, the first half of the memoir is a thrilling journey through the heart of 1960s pop culture.
However, the book takes a darker turn when it delves into her troubled marriage to genius/madness record producer, (later, convicted murderer) Phil Spector. While he was an undoubted musical genius, the book paints him as an incredibly controlling and abusive husband. Ronnie describes in vivid detail the emotional and psychological torment she endured while living with Phil, including being locked inside their mansion for days on end and having her career nearly destroyed by his obsessive control over her. These revelations are chilling, and they shed light on the dark undercurrents of an industry that often allows powerful men to manipulate and silence women.
Despite these harrowing experiences, what makes Be My Baby so compelling is Ronnie’s resilience. She openly discusses her battles with alcoholism and depression, but also her determination to regain control of her life and career. After years of abuse, she finally managed to escape her marriage in the early 1970s, and the latter half of the book focuses on her attempts to rebuild her life as an independent artist and a mother. Her tone is never bitter but rather one of strength and hope. A stark comparison to that other famous beehive/tragedy- Amy Winehouse.
Beyond the personal drama, Be My Baby is a treasure trove of anecdotes for music lovers. Spector's reflections on her peers, the changing landscape of the music industry, and the evolution of pop and rock music add depth to the memoir, offering readers a backstage pass to some of the most pivotal moments in music history. The in-depth analysis of the recording of the Christmas Album is worth £2 on it own!
Be My Baby is a deeply personal and inspiring memoir that chronicles the journey of a woman who, despite facing overwhelming challenges, emerged as a symbol of strength and survival. Ronnie Spector's voice — both on the page and in music — is unforgettable, and her story is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of music, celebrity, and the complexities of personal resilience.
