One of the longest running music feuds has come to an end, after New York's highest court ruled that Phil Spector doesn't have to pay his one-time proteges The Ronettes $3million in royalties.
The finding overturns two earlier hearings which found in favour of the sixties all-girl group.
Since 1988 the Ronettes have been seeking money they said that the legendary producer owed them for the use of their songs in films and in advertisements.
The Ronettes, who were fronted by Spector's future wife, Ronnie Bennett, recorded 28 songs from 1963 to 1967.
Under their contract, they received a one-time payment of $14,482 for their work.
Their 1963 hit 'Be My Baby' was used on the best selling soundtrack to 'Dirty Dancing' and their songs have also appeared on Levis ads.
Two years ago, a lower court ordered Spector to pay almost $3million in damages and interest - in a judgement which was later upheld.
Although the New York State Court Of Appeals found The Ronettes' plight sympathetic, they decided that a 1963 contract gave Spector the right to sell the songs.
