[78-L] Ellie Greenwich obit

[David Lennick]

Sorry to hear this on the news today.

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," "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Tell Laura I Love Her" 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.