Take Me Home Tonight (featuring Ronnie Spector)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic "Take Me Home Tonight" by Eddie Money, featuring the legendary Ronnie Spector, from the 1986 album Can't Hold Back. This track, a Billboard Hot 100 No. 4 hit, is packed with stories that make it a timeless banger. Initially, Eddie wasn’t sold on the song’s demo, finding it too sentimental, but a lightbulb went off when he heard the chorus interpolate the Ronettes’ 1963 hit “Be My Baby.” He insisted on having Ronnie Spector herself sing the iconic line, “Be my little baby,” turning down the idea of using Martha Davis from The Motels. Eddie called Ronnie while she was washing dishes, living a quiet life as a mom, and convinced her by saying the song was a tribute to her. Ronnie, hesitant due to her tumultuous past with ex-husband Phil Spector, was won over by the lyric, “Listen, honey, just like Ronnie sang,” and her performance in the studio, fueled by cheap wine and a bit of weed, was electric. She later said Eddie was “freaking out” with excitement, shouting, “I’ve got the real Ronnie Spector on my record!”

The song’s black-and-white music video, directed by Nick Morris and shot at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nevada, almost didn’t feature Ronnie due to a financial dispute with her manager. The director bluffed by dressing his wife in Ronnie’s outfit for a camera test, which prompted Ronnie to join the shoot, mostly appearing in silhouette until the final moments. This collaboration revived both artists’ careers—Eddie after a slump from drug issues, and Ronnie after years away from the spotlight. The track earned a Grammy nod for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and became Eddie’s biggest hit, also sparking Ronnie’s return to touring and recording, including her 1987 album Unfinished Business. Fans on Reddit have shared nostalgic love for the song, with some recalling Eddie’s 2003 Milwaukee concert where a local singer, Anjl Rodee, nearly missed her chance to sing Ronnie’s part due to a security mix-up.

Eddie Money, born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 2, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, kicked off his career with a unique path. Growing up in a family of Irish Catholic police officers, Eddie was expected to follow suit, even training as a police cadet. But his heart was in music, inspired by rock and soul. In the late 1960s, he ditched the badge for the stage, moving to Berkeley, California, to chase his dreams. Singing in local bands, he caught the eye of legendary promoter Bill Graham, who became his manager. Eddie’s raw, blue-collar rock style landed him a deal with Columbia Records, and his 1977 self-titled debut album went platinum, spawning hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On.” His gritty voice, saxophone skills, and knack for catchy hooks made him a staple of 1970s and 1980s rock, with Can’t Hold Back marking a triumphant comeback.

For more on Eddie, check out his official website at eddiemoney.com, though sadly, Eddie passed away in 2019. His legacy lives on through his Facebook page, where fans share memories, and his Instagram, run by his team, posts throwbacks. On X, you’ll find tributes and updates about his music. Fans gather at sites like Ultimate Classic Rock for news and retrospectives, and the Eddie Money Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant spot for Zoo Freaks to connect over his timeless tunes. Crank up “Take Me Home Tonight” and let’s keep the party rockin’!