Nedra Talley Ross, Last Surviving Ronettes Member, Dies at 80

The Ronettes’ Facebook page announced on April 26 2026 that Nedra Talley Ross, 80, had passed away. The post called her a “light to those who knew and loved her” and highlighted her role in shaping the group’s sound. A brief tweet from former bandmate Ronnie Spector also expressed personal sorrow.

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Born Nedra Yvonne Talley in Spanish Harlem, she performed with cousins Veronica “Ronnie” Bennett and Estelle Bennett as The Darling Sisters at bar mitzvahs and school dances. In 1963 the group teamed with producer Phil Spector, became The Ronettes, and issued sole album *Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica* in 1964. That year they toured the UK, where Rolling Stones opened for them; two years later they opened for Beatles on a U.S. tour. Group dissolved after the 1965 tour. Ronnie married Phil Spector and kept Ronnie Spector; Nedra married Scott Ross.

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The 1963 single “Be My Baby” spent three weeks at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is hailed as a 1960s pop benchmark; “Walking in the Rain” reached No. 23 in late 1964. All seven Hot 100 hits were produced by Phil Spector, and the sole album peaked at No. 96. Songs have appeared in 100 films and TV shows, including *Mean Streets*, *Goodfellas*, *Dirty Dancing*, *The Simpsons* and *The Bear*. Ronettes entered the Vocal Group Hall of Fame three years before their 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

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The Facebook post highlighted Ross’s foundational role in the Ronettes’ sound and said her influence will endure. Ronnie Spector’s same-day tweet offered a brief personal tribute. No further statements from record labels or industry bodies were reported.

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All cited details on the announcement, chart positions and Hall of Fame inductions are consistent across the sources; no contradictions were identified.

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• “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,” — The Ronettes’ Facebook 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…” — The Ronettes’ Facebook post

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• “the greatest record ever produced” — Brian Wilson, Beach Boys

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• “Be My Baby” — The Ronettes (1963 single)

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The Ronettes’ recordings will keep generating royalties and remain licensable for new media projects. Their Hall of Fame honors ensure continued public acknowledgment of their impact on popular music history.

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