Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the iconic 1960s girl group the Ronettes, has died at the age of 80. Known for her sweet smile that set her apart from her sultry cousins, she played a key role in the trio's rise to fame with hits like 'Be My Baby.'
Early Life and Formation of the Ronettes
Born Nedra Yvonne Talley on January 27, 1946, in Manhattan, she grew up in Spanish Harlem with her cousins Veronica and Estelle Bennett. Her father, Henry Talley, was of Puerto Rican descent, while her mother, Susie (née Mobley), had African-American and Cherokee heritage. The three girls began singing together, initially as 'Ronnie and the Relatives,' and after winning a talent contest at the Apollo Theatre, they formed a trio. They took singing lessons and performed at local events.
Rise to Fame with Phil Spector
In 1961, they danced at the Peppermint Lounge, where they caught the attention of disc jockey Murray the K. He promoted them, leading to their first recordings with Colpix. However, it was producer Phil Spector who recognized their potential. He signed them to his Philles label after tricking them into leaving Colpix. Their first hit, 'Be My Baby' (1963), written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, became a sensation with its groundbreaking production. Follow-ups included 'Baby I Love You,' 'Walking in the Rain,' and 'Born to Be Together.'
Departure from the Group and Gospel Music
Talley Ross left the Ronettes in 1967, largely due to Spector's favoritism toward Ronnie and royalty disputes. She married disc jockey Scott Ross, with whom she became a born-again Christian. She renounced show business and devoted herself to family and gospel music, releasing an album in 1978 under her married name, Nedra Ross.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite attempts at reunion, she resisted. The trio reunited only for a lawsuit against Spector and their 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where they were inducted by Keith Richards. Their style influenced later artists like Amy Winehouse. Talley Ross is survived by four children and several grandchildren. Her husband Scott died in 2023. She was the last survivor of the group, following Estelle's death in 2009 and Ronnie's in 2022.
