The human voice is the most powerful means of expressing emotions. While instrumentals can evoke feelings, it’s the lyrics that truly resonate, forging a visceral connection with listeners.
For Keith Richards, it was a transformative experience when he first heard The Ronettes. Their sound made his heart race, reminding him of the deep impact a voice can have.
During the early days of The Rolling Stones, the band was deeply rooted in blues, often covering classic standards. However, as they began to create pop-influenced tracks for artists like Marianne Faithfull, rock and roll began to evolve.
The Beatles had already demonstrated the potential of rock bands to embrace pop, with George Martin guiding their songwriting.
In contrast, Phil Spector, with his innovative approach, brought The Ronettes to life, creating a sound that matched Ronnie Spector’s powerful voice.
While Ronnie may not have boasted the same vocal prowess as legends like Aretha Franklin or Tina Turner, her tone was undeniably compelling. With songs like “Be My Baby,” she conveyed a sense of heartbreak and emotion, supported by the harmonies of her fellow Ronettes.
This sound was not entirely new; girl groups had existed in the 1950s, but Phil Spector’s unique production finally gave Ronnie the sonic backdrop her voice deserved.
Richards recognized the distinctiveness of Ronnie’s artistry.
He recounted a memory at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recalling, “In the north of England in 1964, I was on the road when I heard this beautiful chant, followed by that pure voice singing ‘Be My Baby.’ They could sing right through that Wall of Sound. It touched my heart then, and it still does.”
In crafting his own songs, Richards aspired to capture the raw emotion he experienced in Ronnie’s voice. Some of his ballads, like “Wild Horses,” felt tailor-made for a female vocalist, showcasing the kind of poignant beauty that Ronnie could deliver effortlessly.
The Rolling Stones may have embodied rock’s edgy spirit, but The Ronettes demonstrated that rock and roll could also possess a gentle, tender side. When “Be My Baby” played, nothing else mattered; Ronnie’s voice was the only thing that truly resonated.
