Estelle Bennett of the Ronettes has died

Estelle Bennett, one of the three great ladies that comprised legendary 1960s girl group The Ronettes, died Wednesday. Her sister Ronnie Bennett (later Ronnie Spector) was the group’s lead singer. Estelle and cousin Nedra Talley sang back up on the group’s songs including the hit “Be My Baby.” She was 67.

(L-R) Ronnie Bennett, Nedra Talley, Estelle Bennett

Ronnie Spector acknowledged her sister’s death with a personal message on her web site. UPDATE: Here’s a New York Times article about Estelle. It’s heartbreaking. What a tragic, awful life. I had no idea.