MUSIC MOURNS A LEGEND — NEDRA TALLEY ROSS, THE LAST SURVIVING RONETTE, HAS DIED AT 80, CLOSING A BEAUTIFUL CHAPTER IN MUSIC HISTORY

Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the iconic beehived girl-group the Ronettes, has died. She was 80.

Ross’ death was announced by her daughter, Nedra K., in an April 26 Facebook post.

“At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord,” Ross’ daughter wrote. “She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord.”

Nedra K. noted that a celebration of life ceremony will be planned, promising details to come at a later date.

Born Jan. 27, 1946, Nedra Yvonne Talley was one third of the celebrated trio known as the Ronettes, a girl-group with a distinctive blend of pop, R&B, and rock n’ roll. The group was composed of sisters Veronica “Ronnie” Spector, Estelle Bennett and Talley, their cousin. Together they would go on to great acclaim, topping charts and eventually getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Among their most beloved songs was their recording of “Be My Baby,” which swiftly climbed the charts hitting No. 2 on Billboard magazine’s pop music chart that year. They also produced such hits as , “Baby, I Love You”, “(The Best Part of) Breakin’ Up” and “Walking in the Rain.”

Though their ability to top the charts began to fizzle within the decade the Ronettes remain one of the most influential groups in music history. With Phil, they pioneered the “Wall of Sound” technique—a dense, orchestral approach to music production designed to create a massive, layered sound that marked a milestone in the development of modern pop music.

The Ronettes additionally helped break down racial barriers, famously opening for The Beatles on their final world tour in 1966. They were a critical influence for many music icons that followed, including the late Amy Winehouse, who took direct inspiration in crafting her signature beehive hairdo and chic bad girl look.

The Ronettes went their separate ways a year after the Beatles tour, disbanding in 1967. Nedra continued to work as a solo artist, recording a solo contemporary Christian music album in 1978, in addition to several singles.

Estelle Bennett and Ronnie Spector died in 2009 and 2022, respectively.