The world of 1960s music has lost its final link to one of the most famous girl groups of all time. Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of The Ronettes, passed away on April 26, 2026, at her home. She was 80 years old. Her daughter confirmed that she died peacefully in her bed with family members close by. The news has brought attention not only to her music career but also to her long marriage with Scott Ross.
Nedra Talley Ross married Scott Ross in 1967, the same year The Ronettes broke up. Scott Ross was a former radio DJ who later became a well-known interviewer for The 700 Club on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). The couple remained together for 56 years until Scott Ross died in 2023. They had four children together during their marriage.
A Quiet Passing Surrounded By Family
The news of Nedra Talley Ross’s death came from her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, who posted on Facebook. She wrote that her mother passed away at approximately 8:30 in the morning. The family was present, and she was in her own bed at home. The cause of death has not been shared with the public.
The official Facebook page for The Ronettes also shared a statement about her passing.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Nedra Talley Ross’ passing. She was a light to those who knew and loved her. 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. Rest peacefully dear Nedra. Thanks for the magic.
Who Was Scott Ross? The Husband Behind The Singer
Scott Ross was more than just the husband of a famous singer. He started his career as a radio DJ before moving into television. He became a familiar face on The 700 Club, where he worked as an interviewer for many years. His work on Christian television made him a known figure in religious broadcasting circles.
Nedra and Scott Ross got married in 1967, a year that marked a big change in her life. The Ronettes ended their run as a group that year. Following her marriage, she decided to leave the music business. She later explained that her Christian faith played a big role in this choice. She felt that the group’s music and lifestyle did not fit with her religious beliefs.
Their marriage faced some difficulties because of race. Scott Ross was white, and Nedra Talley Ross was Black. At that time, interracial marriages were not widely accepted by everyone. Scott Ross spoke about this in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network.
We were doing some TV, and I was really accosted by some people, so-called Christians, who wanted to know where she is from, about interracial marriage. There were people who did not want to support the fledgling CBN at that time because of our marriage. But Pat stood with us and said, ‘It is not the money, it is not the issue. These two are married before God, and that is that.’ So we had that kind of support.
Pat Robertson, the founder of CBN, supported the couple when others turned against them. This support helped them stay strong during difficult times. Their marriage lasted for more than five decades until Scott Ross died in 2023.
The Ronettes: A Brief But Powerful Run
The Ronettes formed in 1959 in New York City. The group started with three cousins: Nedra Talley (later Ross), her sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Ronnie Spector. They were first called Ronnie and the Relatives and later The Darling Sisters before settling on The Ronettes.
Their big break came in 1963 when they signed with producer Phil Spector. He was famous for creating the Wall of Sound production style. Their first single with him was Be My Baby, which became a massive hit. Other popular songs included Baby I Love You, Walking in the Rain, and Do I Love You.
The group found great success in both the United States and the United Kingdom. They opened for the Beatles during their final US tour in 1966. They also performed on the same bills as the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and the Yardbirds. Despite their fame, the group only released one studio album during their time together.
The Ronettes broke up in 1967. After the split, each member went their own way. Ronnie Spector married Phil Spector, though the marriage was troubled and ended in divorce in 1974. Estelle Bennett stepped away from the public eye. Nedra Talley focused on her family and her Christian faith.
Recognition And Legacy
The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards inducted them. During the ceremony, Richards spoke about first seeing the group in 1964. He said they touched his heart then and still did at the time of the induction.
Nedra Talley Ross spoke at the ceremony and gave thanks to many people. She thanked her mother for knocking on doors when record labels did not want to sign three young girls. She also thanked her husband, Scott Ross, and their four children. She talked about how her family gave her stability in the difficult world of show business.
We had a dream, but with a dream you need to have people behind you with your dream. For us, my mom knocked on doors when people did not want to hire and put under contract three young pretty girls that they said were going to change their minds down the road. I thank you for that. Show business is a thing that can be great, but it can be bad, too. For us, we had a family that gave us a core to help stabilize us in a very difficult crazy world. It was a fun time. I thank God.
Be My Baby was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Music experts consider it one of the most influential songs in pop history. The group also set fashion trends with their big beehive hairstyles and heavy eyeliner.
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The End Of An Era
Nedra Talley Ross was the last surviving member of The Ronettes. Her cousin Estelle Bennett passed away in 2009 at age 67 after battling colorectal cancer. Lead singer Ronnie Spector died of cancer in 2022. With Nedra’s passing, all three original members are now gone.
She is survived by her four children. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. Her daughter said she will post information about the service once plans are confirmed.
Her 2010 interview with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame showed her clear Christian faith and her pride in her family. The Ronettes had a short time in the spotlight, but their music continues to reach new listeners. Their songs appear in movies, television shows, and commercials. New generations discover Be My Baby and other hits every year.
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