Beloved singer, songwriter, and producer Ellie Greenwich has died at the age of 68. With her husband and musical partner Jeff Barry, Greenwich composed hits for the Ronettes, the Shangri-Las, Tommy James & the Shondells, and Manfred Mann.
In 1962, she was discovered by songwriter-producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in the historic Brill Building when they heard her playing piano in a waiting room. Greenwich began writing hits with others and was often used as a session singer. Later on, when she met Barry, her career took off as the team composed such classics as the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” and Manfred Mann’s “Doo Wah Diddy Diddy.” Unfortunately, their marriage ended, but they continued to work together through 1966 after they discovered Neil Diamond and helped launch his career.
In 1986, the popular Broadway show Leader of the Pack , which focused on her life and music, opened at Bottom Line. Greenwich even appeared as herself in Act Two. The musical continues to experience revivals.
She seemed like a great woman. I’m familiar with so many of her songs yet never knew she wrote them. Samples of her work are available below for your listening pleasure.
