Nedra Talley Ross, Iconic Ronettes Member, Dead at 80

Nedra Talley Ross, the final surviving member of the 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has passed away at 80.

She performed alongside her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett, helping the trio achieve major success with hits like “Be My Baby,” “Walking in the Rain,” “Baby, I Love You,” and “The Best Part of Breakin’ Up.”

Talley Ross’ daughter, Nedra K Ross, shared the news about the singer’s death on social media. “At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord,” she wrote.

“She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord. There will be a Celebration of Life in the future and I will post information when plans have been confirmed,” she added.

The official Instagram account of The Ronettes also shared the announcement. “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,” the post read.

“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,” the tribute further read.

Nedra Talley Ross was born in Manhattan in 1946. She began performing as a teenager with her cousins, Ronnie and Estelle. In 1957, Ronnie formed The Ronettes.

The vocal trio secured a residency at a local club and landed a record deal. However, luck was not on their side yet, as their early releases failed to chart. Their breakthrough came in 1963 after Estelle contacted producer Phil Spector, who had recently had a string of major hits.

According to the Guardian, Ronnie Spector’s memoir recounts the instance when the group performed a rendition of Frankie Lymon’s “Why Do Fools Fall In Love?” Spector leapt up from the piano and said, “That’s the voice I’ve been looking for.”

Known for their signature beehive hairstyles, The Ronettes released just one studio album, though their music has continued to resonate with listeners over the years.

The group split up in 1967. The Guardian reports that Talley Ross later opened up about the decision, saying, “I hated the ‘dog-eat-dog’ side of show-business.” She then added, “I hated pushing for the next record and the feeling of failure if we didn’t get it. There was a continual demand on us to produce that I thought was unfair. My personality didn’t like that.”

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. As per the news outlet, Nedra Talley Ross described the moment, saying, “I broke down and cried … it had been emotions and feelings that I had just sort of put to the side.” She also reunited on stage with Ronnie Spector during the induction ceremony.

The cause of Talley Ross’ death has not yet been officially announced. Her passing marks the end of an era.