Thursday 27 August 2009

Ellie Greenwich RIP


US pop songwriter Greenwich dies
American songwriter Ellie Greenwich, who penned River Deep, Mountain High and other hits, has died, aged 68.

She died of a heart attack after being admitted to a New York hospital for pneumonia treatment, her niece said.

In a 50-year career, she was awarded some 25 gold and platinum discs. She collaborated with Phil Spector on Chapel of Love and Da Doo Ron Ron.

She wrote Leader of the Pack with her ex-husband, which became the basis for a Broadway musical based on her life.

Greenwich was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and contributed to the success of many stars, including working with Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

She is also co-produced songs for Neil Diamond, including his hit Kentucky Woman.

Other compositions included Do Wah Diddy Diddy and Look of Love.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/8223654.stm


Published: 2009/08/26 21:35:41 GMT

© BBC MMIX

Theater News
Songwriter Ellie Greenwich Dies at 69
By: Brian Scott Lipton · Aug 26, 2009 · New York

Ellie Greenwich, one of the foremost songwriters of the rock 'n' roll era, has died at age 69.

Greenwich's songs were the basis of the 1985 Broadway revue Leader of the Pack, which earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical. She also appeared in the production, alongside Patrick Cassidy, Dinah Manoff, Annie Golden, Jasmine Guy, Darlene Love, and other stars.

In addition to the song "Leader of the Pack," Greenwich wrote such iconic hits as "Be My Baby," "Chapel of Love," and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)." In 1991, she and Jeff Barry, her former husband and songwriting and producing partner, were inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame.

Greenwich's songs were also featured in three other Broadway revues: Uptown, It's Hot!, Andre De Shields' Harlem Nocturne, and Rock 'n' Roll! The First 5,000 Years.

During her career as writer and producer, Greenwich also worked with such top talents as Phil Spector, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Lesley Gore, Bobby Darin, Nona Hendryx, and Cyndi Lauper.

She is survived by her sister, Laura Weiner. Donations can be made to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm?int_news_id=20883&city_dir=new-york


Goldmine interview: http://www.goldminemag.com/article/Backstage_Pass_Ellie_Greenwich_employs_the_Midas_Touch/

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