Ronettes Singer Dies

The music world is in mourning after Estelle Bennett, one third of the legendary Ronettes, died at the age of 67.

The Ronettes were one of the most successful girl groups in American music during the 60s. Their sound has been much replicated, with everyone from the Jesus And Mary Chain to Girls Aloud owing something to the group.

Bennett was alerted as being missing after relatives were unable to contact her. Police found the singer dead in her New Jersey home on Wednesday (February 11th).

Brother in law Jonathan Greenfield told Associated Press that the time and cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Greenfield is married to fellow Ronette Ronnie Spector, and said in a statement "Estelle was Ronnie's sidekick in The Ronettes".

"She was very much into fashion and worked with Ronnie on the whole look and style of The Ronettes."

In a message on her official website, Ronnie Spector paid tribute to her friend.

She wrote: "To my beloved sister, rest in peace, you deserve it. I love you, Ronnie."