Nedra Talley Ross, singer and founding member of Ronettes, dies at 80

April 27 (UPI) --Nedra Talley Ross, a singer who was a founding member of 1960s girl group the Ronettes, has died.

The Ronettes official social media accounts announced Talley Ross' death Sunday, calling her "a light to those who knew and loved her." She was 80.

"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."

Talley Ross' daughter Nedra K. Ross confirmed the singer's death on Facebook.

Born Nedra Yvonne Talley, Talley Ross and her cousins Veronica "Ronnie" Bennett and Estelle Bennett first started performing as The Darling Sisters. The trio changed their name to the Ronettes after signing with Phil Spector in 1963.

The Ronettes released their hit single "Be My Baby" in 1963, followed by their first and only studio album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes, in 1964. Other hits included "Baby, I Love You," "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up" and "Walking in the Rain."

The group opened for the Beatles in 1966 and split the next year. Ronnie went on to marry Spector, becoming Ronnie Spector, while Talley Ross married Scott Ross and recorded Christian music in the 1970s.

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 9:18 AM.