Last surviving member of the Ronettes dies aged 80

Nedra Talley Ross, a founding member of the iconic 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has died at the age of 80.

Her death was confirmed Sunday by her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, who shared an emotional message on social media.

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

Nedra Talley Ross was born on January 27, 1946, and came from a richly diverse background, with Black, Native American, Irish, and Puerto Rican roots. She later married Scott Ross , a former DJ who went on to become an interviewer for Christian Broadcasting Network’s The 700 Club. The couple had four children together.

Talley Ross was the last surviving member of The Ronettes, the groundbreaking trio she formed with her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett.

Together, they helped shape the sound and style of a generation, leaving a lasting mark on pop music history.

The group rose to fame in the early 1960s and took the United States by storm with their timeless hit “Be My Baby,” along with other fan favorites like “Walking in the Rain” and “Baby, I Love You.”

The Ronettes were the first great girl group, and their sky-high hair and honey-dripping harmonies set the standard for every all-girl act that followed.

Their breakthrough came after catching the attention of legendary producer Phil Spector, who helped shape their signature “Wall of Sound.” According to Ronnie Spector’s memoir, he was instantly captivated when the trio auditioned, exclaiming,

“That’s the voice I’ve been looking for!”

Despite releasing just one studio album, the Ronettes left an outsized impact on pop music. They toured with major acts, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, further cementing their place in music history.

The group disbanded in 1967, with Talley Ross later stepping away from the spotlight. She cited both the pressures of the music industry and a personal spiritual awakening as reasons for her departure.

“I hated the ‘dog-eat-dog’ side of show-business,” she once said. “There was a continual demand on us to produce that I thought was unfair.”

She went on to build a quieter life, releasing a Christian music album in 1978 and later working in real estate.

In 2007, the Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — a moment Talley Ross described as overwhelming.

“I broke down and cried … it had been emotions and feelings that I had just sort of put to the side.”

The group’s official social media also honored her legacy:

“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.”

“As a founding member of the Ronettes… Nedra’s voice, style and spirit helped define a sound that would change music.”

“Rest peacefully, dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic.”

Ronnie Spector passed away in 2022 at age 78, while Estelle Bennett died in 2009 at 67. With Talley Ross’ passing, an era truly comes to a close — but the music that defined it lives on.