Ronnie Spector who rose to fame with a string of hits with the Ronnettes is dead at 78.
The African American and Cherokee singer had a great grandfather who was Chinese.
The lead singer of the group will be remembered for her hits Be My Baby and Walking in the Rain in the 1960s, reported Rolling Stone.
She died following a brief battle with cancer.
Al Jazeera reports fans loved her “cat-eye makeup” and beehive hairdos.
“Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer,” read a statement from the family Wednesday.
“Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor, and a smile on her face.”
The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inducted the trio in 2007.
She was married to producer Phil Spector, but they divorced in 1974. In her autobiography, she alleged years of abuse by her ex who died last year.
After the Ronnette’s broke up, she collaborated with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and Eddie Money.
“She will have her own place in history because there was nobody like her,” singer Darlene Love said to Rolling Stone.
“I loved her voice so much, and she was a very special person and a dear friend. This just breaks my heart. Ronnie’s music and spirit will live forever,” said Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
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