GOODBYE, ELLIE GREENWICH

Ellie Greenwich, who wrote some of the greatest singles of the 1960s, died this week. Ellie wrote the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” and “Baby, I Love You,” the Shangri-La’s “Leader of the Pack,” the Dixie Cups’ “Chapel of Love,” Tina & Ike Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High” and the Crystals’ “Then He Kissed Me” and “Da Doo Ron Ron," says Rolling Stone.

And that wasn't all.

According to Rolling Stone, "Greenwich’s other major hits include Manfred Mann’s “Doo Wah Diddy Diddy,” Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and Tommy James’ and the Shondells’ “Hanky Panky.” Greenwich and Barry also helped nurture the career of a fledgling singer-songwriter named Neil Diamond, and Greenwich and Barry produced and contributed background vocals to Diamond hits like “Kentucky Woman,” “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon,” “Cherry, Cherry,” “Red, Red Wine” and “I’m a Believer.”

Ellie Greenwich (middle) sings with Jean Thomas and Micki Harris, 1965

Listen to some of Ellie's songs below, in the "Cool Chick" post.