Veronica Yvette Bennett

Veronica Yvette Bennett was born in Spanish Harlem to an African American-Cherokee mother and an Irish-American father. Forming The Ronettes with her older sister Estelle and cousin Nedra Talley, the trio was signed in 1963 by producer Phil Spector. With their beehive hairdos, heavy eyeliner, and tight skirts, The Ronettes projected a tough, rebellious urban glamour unmatched by other girl groups of the era.

Ronnie's soaring, emotive voice anchored monumental 1963 hits including "Be My Baby" and "Walking in the Rain." The Ronettes toured with The Beatles in 1966 and inspired everyone from Brian Wilson to Amy Winehouse. Surviving an abusive, captive marriage to Phil Spector that nearly ended her life, she escaped in 1972 and reclaimed her career, singing on Eddie Money's hit "Take Me Home Tonight" and entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.