OAN Staff Lillian Mann
6:47 PM – Monday, April 27, 2026
Nedra Talley Ross, the final surviving member of the legendary 1960s girl group The Ronettes, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.
Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, in a poignant social media post.
Nedra originally co-founded the iconic trio in 1959 alongside her cousins, sisters Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett, leaving behind a monumental legacy that helped define the “Wall of Sound” era and forever changed the landscape of pop music.
“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.”
Additionally, a post on the band’s official Facebook account stated, “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.”
“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 group did not gain popularity until 1963 after signing with music producer Phil Spector, creator of the 1960s’ ‘Wall of Sound’ style.
“Be My Baby,” their first single with Spector, top the charts. “Baby I Love you,” “Walking in the Rain,” and “Do I Love You?” also gained rapid popularity, sending The Ronettes alongside the likes of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, the Yardbirds.
They even opened for the Beatles on their final U.S. tour in 1966.
The trio’s contributions to “A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector” are especially celebrated during the holiday season — their voices instantly recognizable.
The group broke up in 1967 but were still inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, two years before Bennett’s death. In their acceptance speech, as the trio was inducted, Ross spoke of the “dream” that she and her cousins shared when they were in their teens.
“We had a dream, but with a dream you need to have people behind you with your dream. For us, my mom knocked on doors when people didn’t want to hire and put under contract three young pretty girls that they said were going to change their minds down the road. I thank you for that — God knows what you’ve done.”
She also thanked Jesus for saving her life during open heart surgery, along with her husband, Scott Ross, and their four children.
“Show business is a thing that can be great, but it can be bad, too,” she said. “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. I thank God.”
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