ELLIE GREENWICH, who penned Tina Turner's classic song River Deep, Mountain High, has died at the age of 68.
Her niece said she died of a heart attack after being admitted to a New York hospital for pneumonia treatment.
Greenwich was awarded some 25 gold and platinum discs during her 50-year career as a songwriter.
She collaborated with Phil Spector on Chapel of Love and Da Doo Ron Ron and wrote Leader of the Pack with her ex-husband.
She also co-produced songs for Neil Diamond and was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, contributing to the success of many stars, including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.