This week, the music world was saddened to learn of the passing of one of music’s greatest icons, Ronnie Spector, the courageous lead singer of 60s pop sensation, The Ronettes; hailed as an inspiration by rock’s most notorious hedonist, Keith Richards, during his 2007 speech to induct the legendary singer into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for her trailblazing rebellious spirit. 

Which makes it unsurprising that poster boys of 70s punk, the Ramones were massive fans of Spector’s music! In 1980, the punk rockers’ released a cover version of the decade-old hit on their album, End of the Century. The Ramones’ surprisingly faithful version was, like the original, also produced by (now) disgraced record production great, Phil Spector. The boys’ supercharged rendition flew up to number eight in the UK singles chart, giving the future punk icons their first, and biggest, top-ten hit in the county.

The Ronette’s Baby, I Love You, written by a collection of writers that included Spector, was originally recorded in 1963 and released on the band’s debut album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes – also produced by Spector. It was The Ronettes' first hit, rocketing up charts around the world! Bur, it would be for from their last. 

Watch Ramones pay tribute to an obvious favourite song, and, in the words of the legendary Keith Richards, the “original bad girl of rock ’n’ roll’, below!

Ramones | ‘Baby, I Love You’

And, here they are performing the track live. While the picture quality requires an amount of imagination, any shortcomings are made up for with spirit in spades!. Watch below. 

The Ramones | ‘Baby, I Love You’ [Live]

RIP Ronnie Spector. The beloved music icon will be greatly missed. 

The Ronettes |'Baby, I Love You'

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