Nedra Talley Ross, Last Surviving Ronettes Singer, Dies At 80

Nedra Talley Ross, who, along with her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett, formed the iconic 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has died.

Talley Ross’ death was announced on The Ronettes’ social media accounts on Sunday. She was 80.

Together, The Ronettes recorded such song classics as “Be My Baby,” “Baby, I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain.” The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

“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,” a post on The Ronettes’ Facebook account reads.

“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.”

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The Ronettes Began Working With Phil Spector In The Early 1960s

Nedra Talley Ross, Estelle Bennett and Veronica Bennett rose to prominence while working with legendary record producer Phil Spector in 1963 on his Phillies Record label.

In addition to their hit singles, The Ronettes joined other Spector-produced artists including Darlene Love, The Cyrtals and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans for the hit holiday album A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector.

On the album, The Ronettes recorded Spector’s Wall of Sound renditions of the holiday classics “Sleigh Ride,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” The Ronettes also joined the album’s fellow artists for a rendition of “Silent Night” to end the album.

Veronica Bennett married Phil Spector in 1968, and changed her name to Ronnie Spector. Ronnie Spector kept the name after she and Phil Spector divorced in 1975.

Estelle Bennett died in 2009 at age 67, while Ronnie Spector died in 2022 at age 78.

Talley Ross’ cause of death was not given.

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