It reached #1 on the US Cashbox Top 100, #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #2 in New Zealand, #4 on the UK Singles, and #4 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
"Be My Baby" was the first Ronettes song produced by Phil Spector and released on his label, Philles Records. It was a showcase for Spector's "Wall Of Sound" production technique, characterized by layered instruments and echo effects.
The Ronettes, comprised of Veronica (Ronnie) Bennett, her sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley, were signed to Philles after Phil fell in love with Veronica's voice. The song's lyrics, written by Jeff Barry, are straightforward and direct, conveying a girl's interest in a guy and her desire to be with him forever.
With the help of Veronica and Estelle's mother, Phil signed the Ronettes to Philles after releasing them from their contract with Colpix Records. He had the group record "Be My Baby" instead of "Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love," another Jeff Barry-Ellie Greenwich song that was originally planned as their debut single. "Be My Baby" became the biggest hit and only Top 10 for The Ronettes.
Veronica Bennett was the only Ronette to sing on the track, rehearsing for weeks before recording 42 takes to get the sound that Spector wanted. Spector and Bennett married in 1968 and divorced in 1974.
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