Nedra Talley Ross, Founding Member of the Ronettes, Dies at 80
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Nedra Talley Ross, a founding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group the Ronettes, has died at the age of 80. The group, known for hits like 'Be My Baby,' was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 and toured with acts like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
Facts First
- Nedra Talley Ross, a founding member of the Ronettes, has died at 80.
- The Ronettes' 1963 single 'Be My Baby' reached No. 2 nationally and was later used in Martin Scorsese’s film 'Mean Streets.'
- The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, introduced by Keith Richards.
- The Ronettes toured with major acts, opening for the Beatles in 1966 and having the Rolling Stones open for them in the U.K. in 1964.
- The group won a $2.6 million royalty lawsuit against producer Phil Spector in 2000.
What Happened
Nedra Talley Ross, a founding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group the Ronettes, has died at the age of 80. The group's Facebook page announced her death, though no cause was provided. The Ronettes consisted of Talley Ross and her cousins Veronica 'Ronnie' Bennett (later Spector) and Estelle Bennett. They originally performed as Ronnie and the Relatives before adopting the name the Ronettes.
After early singles with Colpix Records failed to achieve commercial success, the group auditioned for producer Phil Spector in 1963, which led to their breakthrough hit 'Be My Baby,' which reached No. 2 nationally that year. In 1964, the group released four top 40 hits: 'Baby I Love You,' '(The Best Part of) Breaking Up,' 'Do I Love You,' and 'Walking in the Rain.' The group disbanded following a European tour in 1967.
Why this Matters to You
For music fans, this marks the passing of a key figure from a defining era of pop and rock and roll. The Ronettes' music, particularly the iconic 'Be My Baby,' is woven into the fabric of American culture, featured in classic films and influencing countless artists. Their story is also a significant chapter in music business history, highlighting the struggles artists faced for fair compensation, as evidenced by their successful legal action against Phil Spector for unpaid royalties.
What's Next
The death of Nedra Talley Ross leaves Ronnie Spector, who died in 2022, and Estelle Bennett, who died in 2009, as the other founding members who have passed. The group's legacy is likely to be revisited and celebrated in tributes, underscoring their enduring influence on popular music. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ensures their contributions will continue to be recognized for new generations of listeners.