Ellie Greenwich
Ellie Greenwich, born Eleanor Louise Greenwich on October 23, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prominent American pop music singer, songwriter, and record producer. She was a major influence on 1960s rock and roll, contributing significantly to the Brill Building sound. Her songwriting partnership with Jeff Barry, whom she married in 1962, produced numerous iconic hits. Together, they wrote or co-wrote classics such as "Be My Baby," "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Leader of the Pack," and "River Deep – Mountain High." Their collaboration resulted in ninety-four charted songs, including six number-one hits.
Greenwich's early life was steeped in music; she began composing songs as a teenager and formed her first girl group, The Jivettes, with school friends. After high school, she attended Queens College and then Hofstra University, where she graduated with top honors. Her professional career took off in the early 1960s, working with notable figures like Phil Spector and contributing to the success of artists such as The Ronettes, The Crystals, and Tina Turner.
In addition to her songwriting success, Greenwich also charted as a singer with songs like "I Want You to Be My Baby" and "Maybe I Know." Her influence extended beyond her own recordings, as her songs were covered by a wide range of artists, including John Lennon, Elton John, and U2.
Throughout her career, Ellie Greenwich received numerous accolades, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. She continued to collaborate with various artists and contributed to the music industry until her passing on August 26, 2009, in Manhattan, New York. Her legacy as a pioneering songwriter and producer remains influential in the music world.
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