The Ronettes

Female groups came to the forefront of popular music in the early 60s, and none more so than The Ronettes, a trio of New York Puerto Ricans led by Veronica (Ronnie) Bennett, who had been performing at the Peppermint Lounge in New York (where The Twist craze started) and working as backing singers. 

It was in this capacity that Phil Spector first hired them, but sensing their potential he signed them up, ensuring that their debut Be My Baby would be one of his best creations.

The Ronettes' adept singing made Baby I Love You, The Best Part of Breaking Up and Walking In The Rain among the finest records ever recorded by a female group. During this time, Spector (who later married Ronnie) was perfecting his 'wall of sound' - simultaneously recording the voices, four guitarists, three pianos, two basses, a drummer, three other percussionists an four horn players.

TRIVIA NOTE
Leon Russell was among the session players on Be My Baby.