Nedra Talley Ross, a founding member of the girl group the Ronettes, has died at age 80. The group's official social media accounts announced her passing on April 26. She was the final living original member, following the deaths of her cousins Estelle Bennett in 2009 and Ronnie Spector in 2022.
The Ronettes' statement expressed deep sorrow: “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.” It praised her voice, style and spirit for helping define a sound that changed music, noting her contribution alongside cousins Ronnie and Estelle will endure forever. Ross credited family bonds for the group's success, saying in a February interview with Cleveland Digital, “Part of the reason I believe the Ronettes continued and we were as successful as we were, is because we held each other’s hand when we walked out on stage, and we believed that God was watching what we did.” Her mother, Susie Talley, encouraged her early performances at local events as the Darling Sisters, Ronnie and the Relatives, and finally the Ronettes. Born in Manhattan in 1946, Ross signed with Colpix Records in 1961 before auditioning for Philles Records in 1963 with a cover of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.” Producer Phil Spector, who later married Ronnie Spector, crafted their hit “Be My Baby,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other successes included “Baby I Love You,” “(The Best Part of) Breaking Up,” “Do I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain,” from their 1964 album Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes. The group disbanded after a 1967 European tour amid tensions with Spector; Ross sought to pursue Christian music. The Ronettes later won $2.6 million in royalties from Spector in 2000 and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Ross released solo Christian music, including the 1978 album Full Circle, and was married to DJ Scott Ross from 1967 until his death in 2023.
