Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the 1960s girl group, The Ronettes, has died at the age of 80. The singer’s cause of death has not been revealed, with her death having been confirmed by her family.
On the Facebook page of the iconic girl group, they announced that Ross had died on Sunday, April 26, in her home. Their statement reads, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Nedra Talley Ross’ passing. She was a light to those who knew and loved her.
“As a founding member of The Ronettes, along with her beloved cousins Ronnie and Estelle, Nedra’s voice, style and spirit helped define a sound that would change music. Her contribution to the group’s story and their defining influence will live forever. Rest peacefully dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic.”
Ross’s daughter, Nedra K. Ross, also posted on her Facebook page about her mother’s death. She reveals the singer died at approximately 8:30 that morning, and was “safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved.” She doesn’t disclose any details of a prior medical condition.
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Ross was one of three cousins who banded together to form The Ronettes in the late ’50s, with her signing alongside Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett. The American girl group from Washington Heights, New York City, began performing when they were young and caught the interest of Phil Halikus, who introduced them to Colpix Records producer Stu Phillips. Their audition was a success and landed them their first recorded tracks.
After becoming frustrated with their label, Estelle called producer Phil Spectorfor an audition. The Ronettes became a chart-topping group of the ’60s with hits like “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You”, “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up,” and “Walking in the Rain”. Many may recognize “Be My Baby” for having been included in the hit dance film Dirty Dancing. They would go on to become opening acts for hit rock bands like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
The group would later break up in 1967, with Ronnie later marrying Spector and divorcing in 1974. Their hit track “Be My Baby” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, with the trio later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
“We had a dream, but with a dream you need to have people behind you with your dream. For us, my mom knocked on doors when people didn’t want to hire and put under contract three young pretty girls that they said were going to change their minds down the road. I thank you for that — God knows what you’ve done,” said Ross in her speech.
Ross was born on Jan. 27, 1946, and married an interviewer for The 700 Club, Scott Ross in 1967. The two were married until his death in 2023 and had four children together. After The Ronettes, Ross worked in real estate in Virginia Beach.
