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| Nedra Talley-Ross (1946-2026) |
Nedra Talley-Ross, the last surviving original member of the legendary 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has passed away at the age of 80.
The news was shared Sunday Nedra K. Ross:
“At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord. She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord. There will be a Celebration of Life in the future and I will post information when plans have been confirmed.”
Born Nedra Yvonne Talley on January 27, 1946, in New York City, she was of Black, Puerto Rican, and Irish descent. As a teenager, she formed The Ronettes with her cousins Ronnie Spector (Veronica Bennett) and Estelle Bennett.
The trio, known for their striking style, towering hair, and powerful vocals, became one of the most iconic acts of the era under producer Phil Spector’s guidance.Their “Wall of Sound” productions delivered timeless hits such as “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You,” and “Walking in the Rain,” which helped define early 1960s pop and R&B.
While Ronnie was the lead singer, Nedra’s rich harmonies were essential to the group’s lush, dramatic signature sound.
The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.After leaving the group in the late 1960s, Talley-Ross stepped away from secular music to focus on her Christian faith. She recorded several contemporary Christian albums as Nedra Ross, with notable success. Her 1978 release Full Circle, produced by her husband Scott Ross, was among her most popular.
Scott, a former DJ and longtime 700 Club interviewer, passed away in 2023.In recent decades, she made occasional appearances celebrating The Ronettes’ enduring legacy and lived in Virginia Beach, where she also worked in real estate.
With her passing, an entire chapter of rock ’n’ roll history closes. Nedra Talley-Ross will be remembered for her powerful voice, pioneering presence in one of music’s most influential girl groups, and her quiet strength in both the spotlight and her personal faith journey. Tributes from fans, musicians, and the music community are pouring in across social media.