music
April 27, 2026
Nedra Talley Ross helped make the Ronettes the platonic ideal of a girl group
Even though she was unwell, the last surviving Ronette was full of poignant memories and saucy asides when I met her last year. And she had a rich life after pop success
TL;DR
- Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of The Ronettes, has passed away at 80.
- She was part of the iconic girl group from 1963 to 1967, contributing to hits like 'Be My Baby' and 'Walking in the Rain'.
- Ross expressed a critical view of producer Phil Spector, calling him arrogant.
- Despite battling dementia and recent personal losses, she shared poignant memories during an interview last year.
- After leaving pop music, Ross and her husband became well-known on the Christian circuit, converting a barn into a church and preaching on cruises.
- Her daughter confirmed that Ross maintained her sex appeal throughout her life.
- Legacy wasn't a primary focus for Ross in her later years, but the Ronettes' music continues to be heard globally, especially during the holiday season.
- Ross found pleasure in fans sharing how her music impacted their families.
- She recalled a cherished childhood memory of receiving a blue Schwinn bicycle from her father.