Nedra Talley Ross, Last Surviving Original Member of The Ronettes, Dies at 80
"Show business is a thing that can be great, but it can be bad too. For us, we had a family that gave us a core to help stabilize us in a very difficult crazy world. It was a fun time." — Nedra Talley Ross, 2007
Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving original member of the 1960s girl group The Ronettes, died at her home on Sunday at age 80. Her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, confirmed the death. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Group History and Hits
Ross formed The Ronettes in the early 1960s alongside her cousins Veronica "Ronnie" Bennett (later Ronnie Spector) and Estelle Bennett. The group signed with Philles Records in 1963 after auditioning for producer Phil Spector.
The group is known for several hit songs, including:
- "Be My Baby" (1963)
- "Baby I Love You" (1964)
- "Walking in the Rain" (1964)
The Ronettes released one studio album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica, in 1964. The group disbanded around 1967. "Be My Baby" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Post-Group Career and Personal Life
Following the group's breakup, Ross pursued a career in Christian music and released the album Full Circle in 1978.
Ross was married to DJ and television personality Scott Ross from 1967 until his death in 2023. She is survived by four children.
Recognition and Legacy
The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. At the induction ceremony, Ross spoke about the family support that helped stabilize the group. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who had toured with the Ronettes in the 1960s, also spoke at the event.
"They could sing all their way right through a wall of sound. They didn't need anything. They touched my heart right there and then, and they touch it still." — Keith Richards, 2007
Legal Dispute
The Ronettes were involved in a legal dispute with Phil Spector over royalties. A judge ordered Spector to pay $2.6 million in past royalties and interest, but New York State's highest court overturned that ruling on appeal in 2002.
Other Deceased Members
Estelle Bennett died of colon cancer in 2009 at age 67. Ronnie Spector died in January 2022 at age 78.
In Development
An A24 biopic titled "Be My Baby," starring Zendaya as Ronnie Spector and directed by Barry Jenkins, is in development.