Singer Ellie Greenwich dies, aged 69

Wednesday, August 26 2009, 21:44 BST

 

By Oli Simpson

 

 

Rex Features

Singer-songwriter Ellie Greenwich, who penned a string of classic 1960s rock 'n' roll songs, has passed away, aged 69.

 

Greenwich died of a heart attack at New York's St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, where she had been admitted a few days earlier for treatment of pneumonia, according to The AP.

 

Greenwich wrote hits including 'Da Doo Ron Ron', 'Be My Baby' and 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'. She was inducted into the Songwriters' Hall Of Fame in 1991.

 

She formed a musical partnership with her husband Jeff Barry, penning songs for acts including The Ronettes, The Crystals and The Exciters. The couple separated in 1965 but continued to write music together, including several tracks for Neil Diamond.

 

Other artists to have recorded versions of songs written by Greenwich include Elton John, Tina Turner and U2.

 

scource, digital spy.

 

another sad passing of one of musics early creators.

Well until I read the above I'd never heard of her!

Well until I read the above I'd never heard of her!

Considering the number of classic songs she co-wrote, it's surprising that she wasn't better known really.

I know, she co-wrote River Deep Mountain High as well as Leader of the Pack. Bloody Hell!

I know, she co-wrote River Deep Mountain High as well as Leader of the Pack. Bloody Hell!

 

... but can we talk about her as she was with phil murderer spector! :lol:

Sad News:( These are all her UK hits with peak positions she had a hand in writing.

 

Do Wah Diddy Diddy MANFRED MANN 1

Then He Kissed Me CRYSTALS 2

Leader Of The Pack SHANGRI LAS 3

River Deep Mountain High Ike & Tina TURNER 3

Back To The 60's TIGHT FIT 4

Be My Baby RONETTES 4

The Sunshine After The Rain BERRI 4

Then I Kissed Her BEACH BOYS 4

Da Doo Ron Ron CRYSTALS 5

Leader Of The Pack SHANGRI LAS 7

Baby I Love You Dave EDMUNDS 8

Baby, I Love You RAMONES 8

I Can Hear Music BEACH BOYS 10

Sunshine After The Rain Elkie BROOKS 10

Baby I Love You RONETTES 11

Leader Of The Pack SHANGRI LAS 11

River Deep - Mountain High SUPREMES & FOUR TOPS 11

Da Doo Ron Ron CRYSTALS 15

Do Wah Diddy DJ OTZI 18

Maybe I Know Lesley GORE 20

Chapel Of Love DIXIE CUPS 22

Why Do Lovers Break Each Others' Hearts SHOWADDYWADDY 22

The Sunshine After The Rain NEW ATLANTIC/U4EA FEATURING BERRI 26

Maybe I Know SEASHELLS 32

River Deep Mountain High Ike & Tina TURNER 33

I Wonder CRYSTALS 36

Hanky Panky Tommy JAMES & THE SHONDELLS 38

And Then She Kissed Me Gary GLITTER 39

I Didn't Mean To Hurt You ROCKIN' BERRIES 43

Leader Of The Pack (Charly) SHANGRI LAS 43

Leader Of The Pack TWISTED SISTER 47

Leader Of The Pack (Contempo) SHANGRI LAS 47

Leader Of The Pack Joan COLLINS FAN CLUB 60

Baby I Love You TSD 64

Do Wah Diddy Diddy (The Wiggle Mix) BLUE MELONS 70

 

Wow so many famous songs that she penned or co-penned.