Nedra Talley Ross

[phkrause]

Last surviving member of legendary girls group dies at age 80

https://www.cleveland.com/nation/2026/04/last-surviving-member-of-legendary-girls-group-dies-at-age-80.html?

[Kevin H]

Beautiful voices. So sad to loose. 

[Joe Knapp]

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the legendary 1960s girls group The Ronettes, has died at the age of 80.

Her death was announced on social media by her daughter. No cause of death was given.

“At approximately 8:30 (Sunday) morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord,” the post said. “She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you, Lord.”

A post on the group’s Facebook page called Ross “a light to those who knew and loved her.”

“As a founding member of The Ronettes, along with her beloved cousins Ronnie (Spector) and Estelle (Bennett Vann), 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 Ronettes originated in New York City and were signed by Phil Spector‘s Philles Records in 1963. They went on to place nine singles in Billboard’s Hot 100. Their iconic hits include “Be My Baby,” “Baby I Love You,” “Walking in the Rain” and “I Can Hear Music.”

Variety reports the group released only one studio album but were cited as an influence by multiple acts over decades, including the New York Dolls, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, the Ramones and Blondie.

The Rolling Stones opened for The Ronettes during a tour of the United Kingdom in 1964, The Guardian reports. The Ronettes opened for the Beatles during a tour in 1966.

The Ronettes broke up in 1967, The Guardian reports.

“I hated the ‘dog-eat-dog’ side of show-business,” Talley Ross said. “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.”

Talley Ross also cited her religious beliefs for leaving the group, saying she wanted to focus on her family. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she recorded several Christian songs after leaving The Ronettes.

Bennett died in 2009, while Ronnie Spector died in 2022. The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.