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Nedra Talley Ross, Last Remaining Member of 1960s Girl Band The Ronettes, Passes Away at 80
Nedra Talley Ross, Last Surviving Member of The Ronettes, Dies at 80
Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the 1960s girl band The Ronettes, has passed away at the age of 80. Aside from her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett, she was the third member of the legendary group.
The announcement of her demise came out on Sunday, April 26, through a shared post on The Ronettes’ official social media handles. “It is with an extremely sorrowful heart that we inform you of Nedra Talley Ross’s demise. She was a shining light to those who had the opportunity of knowing and loving her,” the note revealed.
Another section of the message served as a musical homage and highlighted her legacy, “Nedra’s voice, style, and spirit gave rise to the unmistakable sound of a generation.”
“Go in peace, sweet Nedra. With appreciation for your gift of the magical moments, ” it ended.
Last Surviving Member of The Ronettes, Nedra, Dies at 80
Nedra Talley Ross, the last living member of the iconic girl group The Ronettes who, alongside her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett, made music in the 1960s has died at the age of 80.
Official social media account of The Ronettes posted the announcement of her death on April 26 together with commemorating her as an influential force in music. Nedra K. Ross, the singer’s daughter, shared that her mother passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning with her family around. The family is going to make known the arrangements for the Celebration of Life later on.
When still teenagers, Talley Ross, along with Spector and Bennett, began to produce music in New York City. Back in the day the trio used to go to places like the Peppermint Lounge and perform. They were spotted by Murray “Murray the K” Kaufman who hired them as dancers in his Brooklyn Fox Theater rock and roll revues.
Music Giant and Ronettes Founding Member Talley Ross Passes Away at 80
How The Ronettes only released one studio album yet became hugely famous around the world is quite surprising. They even got to be the Beatles’ opening act during their last world tour in 1966. Their everlasting song “Be My Baby” is still spoken of as their best work, besides many other hits like “Walking in the Rain, ” “Baby, I Love You, ” and “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up.”
Nevertheless, the group was famous not only for their music. Their style with the iconic beehive hair and bold fashion choices made them different not just from other girl groups of that era but also, in a way, immortal figures in the culture.
Ronettes’ Impact Still Resonates With Nedra Ross’ Story Being Celebrated
“There were all these other girl groups wearing wide dresses and we wanted to be different, ” Ronnie Spector told PEOPLE in 2018. “The Supremes came out in gowns and I thought, ‘No, that’s not our look.'” Their aunt made their first costumes that were what she said to be, “I don’t want wide, we want tight, ” so that they would be able to dance freely.
They performed live together for the last time in 1966, belonged to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Nedra Talley Ross after The Ronettes released a solo contemporary Christian album, Full Circle, in 1978, and a few singles over several years.
Ronnie Spector cancer-related death aged 78 in 2022, Estelle Bennett died in 2009 aged 67.
