The Ronettes' founding member Nedra Talley Ross, dies aged 80

27 April 2026, 11:16

Nedra Talley Ross was one third of one of the greatest groups of all time.

Nedra Talley Ross, who had been the last surviving member of The Ronettes, has died at the age of 80.

News of the singer's passing was announced by her daughter Nedra K Ross on Facebook yesterday (April 26).

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"At approximately 8:30 this morning, our mother, Nedra Talley Ross, went home to be with the Lord," her daughter wrote.

"She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you, Lord."

The news was also posted on The Ronettes' official social media channels.

"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," read the post.

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"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 Ronettes were founded in the late 1950s, and originally included not just sisters Veronica and Estelle Bennett alongside their cousin Nedra, but also other cousins Ira, Elaine Mayes and Diane Linton.

The Ronettes - Be My Baby (Music Video)

Ira, Elaine, and Diane left early on, leaving the core trio of Estelle, Nedra and – known as Ronnie – Veronica.

Briefly known as Ronnie and the Relatives, they soon became The Ronettes and by 1962 had released a couple of singles.

After a successful audition, they were signed to Phil Spector's Philles Records label in early 1963, and went on to score a string of massive hits, including 'Be My Baby', 'Baby I Love You', 'Walking in the Rain' and 'I Can Hear Music'.

Ronettes perform at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Around the time of The Ronettes' split in 1967, Nedra married husband Scott Ross and became a born-again Christian.

In the late 1970s she recorded a number of Christian songs, and she went on to work in real estate and have four children. Her husband Scott died in 2023.

Estelle Bennet died in 2009 at the age of 69. Ronnie Spector died in 2022 at the age of 78.

Nedra was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a third of The Ronettes alongside Ronnie and Estelle, with Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones doing the honours.