The Ronettes – Be My Baby is a classic song recorded by the American girl group, The Ronettes. It was released as a single in 1963 and became one of the group’s biggest hits. The song was written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, who also produced the single.
“Be My Baby” is recognized for its distinctive drum entrance, played by session musician Hal Blaine, which has become one of the most identifiable drum intros in pop music history. The song showcases the powerful lead vocals of Ronnie Spector, accompanied by the harmonies of her sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley.
The Ronettes’ version of “Be My Baby” hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100 list and has since been widely acknowledged as a classic of the “girl group” sound of the 1960s. It has been included in various films, commercials, and TV shows throughout the years, confirming its place in popular culture.
The song’s everlasting popularity stems in its catchy tune, poignant lyrics, and the Ronettes’ dynamic and soulful performance. It continues to be hailed as a landmark recording in the history of pop music and is a treasured tune among fans of the genre.
Chart Performance
In the United States, the song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963, trailing only Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs’ “Sugar Shack” at the top. It was on the charts for a total of 13 weeks.
United Kingdom: The Ronettes – Be My Baby peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart in 1963. It was the group’s highest-charting single in the United Kingdom.
Canada: The Ronettes – Be My Baby succeeded well in Canada, peaking at number three on the RPM Top Singles Chart.
Other Countries: The Ronettes – Be My Baby peaked at number 10 in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
Story Behind The Song
The tale behind The Ronettes – Be My Baby involves songwriters Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and producer Phil Spector. Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich were a successful songwriting partnership who had previously collaborated on several songs, while Phil Spector was a well-known music producer famous for his groundbreaking “Wall of Sound” production style.
Barry and Greenwich came up with the idea for “Be My Baby” while driving together. They had a talk about the term “be my baby,” which aroused their imaginations. They began working on the song and developed the basic structure and lyrics. They subsequently presented the song to Phil Spector, who loved it and agreed to produce it.
Spector, famed for his fastidious attention to detail in the studio, aimed to create a vast and epic sound for “Be My Baby.” He enlisted elite session musicians, including drummer Hal Blaine, to assist him realize his idea. The distinctive drum opening played by Blaine became a defining feature of the song.
The Ronettes, a girl group made up of main singer Ronnie Spector (originally Veronica Bennett), her sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley, delivered the vocals. Ronnie Spector’s powerful and soulful vocals, paired with the group’s harmonies, lent depth and passion to the track.
The recording of The Ronettes – Be My Baby was allegedly intensive, with Spector striving for perfection and several takes. He wanted to capture the song’s intensity and emotion, so he created a precisely produced and polished production.
When “Be My Baby” was released in 1963, it became a smash hit, demonstrating the successful partnership between the songwriters and producers. The Ronettes – Be My Baby is enduring appeal, catchy melody, and powerful vocals have earned it a place in the pop music canon. It is still a popular and important song that has had a lasting impact on the music business.
Let’s Enjoy
Produced by:
“Be My Baby” by The Ronettes was produced by Phil Spector. Phil Spector was a renowned American record producer and songwriter who played a significant role in shaping the sound of popular music in the 1960s. He is best known for his innovative production technique called the “Wall of Sound,” which involved layering multiple instruments and vocal tracks to create a rich and orchestral sound.
Spector’s production style was characterized by its grandeur, with a focus on lush arrangements, intricate instrumentation, and a sense of drama. He was known for his attention to detail and perfectionism in the studio, often requiring numerous takes to achieve the desired result.
As the producer of The Ronettes – Be My Baby,” Spector was responsible for overseeing the recording process and working closely with the songwriters and the Ronettes to bring the song to life. His meticulous approach and vision contributed to the iconic sound of the track, including the memorable drum intro, the layered harmonies, and the overall sonic richness.
The Ronettes – Be My Baby stands as a testament to Spector’s production prowess and his ability to create timeless and influential recordings. While Spector’s career and personal life were marred by controversy in later years, his contributions to the music industry, including his work on “Be My Baby,” continue to be recognized and appreciated.
Lyrics Written by:
Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich wrote the lyrics to The Ronettes – Be My Baby. Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich were a famous songwriting pair who worked on many popular tunes in the 1960s. They were noted for their ability to write catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics that struck a chord with audiences.
Barry and Greenwich’s “Be My Baby” nailed the sense of young love and longing. The words describe an appeal for affection and a longing to have someone by their side. The words convey a desire for a close connection with another person.
The combination of Barry and Greenwich’s literary genius and The Ronettes’ powerful voices produced a song that struck a chord with listeners and has remained a classic in the decades since its debut.
The combination of Barry, Greenwich, and the Ronettes, together with Phil Spector’s production skills, resulted in a perfect storm of brilliance that brought “Be My Baby” to life and contributed to its continuing appeal.
The night we met I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance I’d never let you go
So won’t you say you love me?
I’ll make you so proud of me
We’ll make ’em turn their heads every place we go
So won’t you, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
I’ll make you happy, baby, just wait and see
For every kiss you give me, I’ll give you three
Oh, since the day I saw you
I have been waiting for you
You know I will adore you ’til eternity
So won’t you, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
So come on and, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Oh-oh-oh (be my, be my baby)
Oh (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh (be my, be my baby)
Oh-oh-oh (My one and only baby)
Oh (be my, be my baby)