Nedra Talley Ross, last surviving member of ’60s girl group the Ronettes, dies at 80

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Nedra Talley Ross, the final surviving member of the Ronettes, the 1960s girl group famous for their hit “Be My Baby,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.

The Ronettes announced with sadness the passing of Nedra Talley Ross on Sunday. Known for her vibrant spirit and style, Nedra was a founding member of the group alongside her cousins Ronnie and Estelle. Her voice and contribution were essential to The Ronettes’ iconic sound and lasting musical legacy.

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Ross’ daughter Nedra K. Ross confirmed her mother’s death to the Associated Press.

Born Nedra Talley in New York City on January 27, 1946, Ronnie Spector began singing as a child. She teamed up with her cousins Veronica and Estelle Bennett, and together they formed a singing group that went by several names – first the Darling Sisters, then Ronnie and the Relatives, and finally, in 1963, the Ronettes. That same year, they impressed music producer Phil Spector with their sound. He signed them to his record label, Philles Records, and initially had them provide backing vocals for other artists before releasing their own songs.

The Ronettes released a single album, “Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes” in 1964, and recorded around 30 songs while working with Phil Spector. Nine of these songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100, including hits like “Baby I Love You,” “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up,” and “Walkin’ in the Rain,” all of which reached the Top 40. Their song “Be My Baby” almost topped the charts, reaching number 2.

This group shared the stage with the Rolling Stones early in their career, when the Ronettes were the main attraction. They also became friends with the Beatles before they achieved worldwide fame.

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In 2007, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards praised the Ronettes, saying they could powerfully overcome even the densest musical arrangements – what he called a ‘Wall of Sound.’ He felt their voices were so strong they didn’t require any extra embellishment. This was the same year the Ronettes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Ross explained that while show business can be wonderful, it also has its challenges. He credited his family with providing a strong foundation that helped them navigate the difficult and often chaotic world of entertainment, adding that it was a truly enjoyable period in their lives and he was deeply grateful for it.

She said she “didn’t have any idea” at the time what the young group was giving the world.

Ross expressed surprise about the band being considered a ‘girls’ style’ but shared gratitude for the fans who remembered them over the years. He also thanked listeners for sharing their music with multiple generations of their families.

Obituaries

Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of the 1960s girl group The Ronettes, known for iconic songs like “Be My Baby” and “Baby, I Love You,” has passed away.

The Ronettes broke up in 1967 as musical tastes shifted towards Motown and British bands, and producer Phil Spector gained more control over the group. Spector married Ronnie in 1968, but the couple separated in 1972 and divorced bitterly in 1974. Years later, Phil Spector was convicted of murder in 2003 for the death of Lana Clarkson and passed away while serving his prison sentence in 2021.

In 1967, Ross married Scott Ross, a DJ and television personality, who sadly passed away in 2023. She also pursued a career in Christian music, releasing the album “Full Circle” in 1978.

The Ronettes, a singing group comprised of three women, filed a lawsuit against Phil Spector in 1998, seeking $11 million for broken contract terms and lost income. A New York court initially ruled in their favor in 2000, stating that Spector owed them $2.6 million in royalties from the use of their songs in films, television, commercials, and other media – on top of the money promised in their original 1963 contract. However, the judge allowed Spector to retain ownership of the recordings themselves. While an appeals court upheld this decision in 2001, New York’s highest court overturned it in 2002, ultimately leaving the Ronettes with no financial compensation.

Ross is survived by four children.

Ronnie Spector died at 78 in 2022, and Bennett died at 67 in 2009.

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2026-04-27 22:20