NEW YORK – 1963: Nedra Talley Ross, Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett Vann of the vocal trio “Ronettes” pose for a portrait in 1963 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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Nedra Talley Ross, who along with her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett formed the iconic 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has died.
Nedra Talley Ross’ death was announced by her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, in a Facebook post on Sunday. She was 80.
“At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord,” Talley Ross’ daughter wrote in the post. “She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord.”
Together, The Ronettes recorded such song classics as “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain.” The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
NEW YORK – MARCH 12: (L-R) Inductees Estelle Bennett, Veronica “Ronnie” Spector and Nedra Talley of “The Ronettes” take a bow after their performance onstage at the 22nd annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel March 12, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
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“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,” a post on The Ronettes’ Facebook account reads.
“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 singer was born Nedra Yvonne Talley on Jan. 27, 1946. She married Scott Ross, a DJ-turned-broadcaster, in 1967 and the singer and the Christian Broadcasting Network personality remained together until his death in 2023.
The Ronettes Began Working With Phil Spector In The Early 1960s
Nedra Talley Ross, Estelle Bennett and Veronica Bennett rose to prominence while working with legendary record producer Phil Spector in 1963 on his Phillies Record label.
In addition to their hit singles, The Ronettes joined other Spector-produced artists including Darlene Love, The Cyrtals and Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans for the classic 1963 holiday album A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector.
On the album, The Ronettes recorded Spector’s Wall of Sound renditions of the holiday standards “Sleigh Ride,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” The Ronettes also joined the album’s fellow artists for a rendition of “Silent Night” on the last song on the LP.
Veronica Bennett married Phil Spector in 1968, and changed her name to Ronnie Spector. Ronnie Spector kept the name after she and Phil Spector divorced in 1975.
Estelle Bennett died in 2009 at age 67, while Ronnie Spector died in 2022 at age 78. Phil Spector, who was convicted of second degree murder in the death of Lana Clarkson in 2009, died in a California prison in 2021 at age 81.
Talley Ross’ cause of death was not given.