Nedra Talley Ross, who with her cousins Ronnie Spector and Estelle Bennett formed the iconic 1960s girl group The Ronettes, has died.
The singer's death was announced by her daughter, Nedra K Ross, in a Facebook post on Sunday. She was 80.
"At approximately 8:30 this morning, our mother, Nedra Talley Ross, went home to be with the Lord," she wrote. "She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you, Lord."
Talley Ross, Bennett and Spector rose to prominence while working with legendary record producer Phil Spector in 1963.
Together, The Ronettes recorded songs including Be My Baby; Baby, I Love You; and Walking in the Rain. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
A tribute posted on the group's official Instagram page noted, "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."
Although the Ronettes released just one proper album, 1964’s Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes, they were behind hits like “Baby I Love You,” “(The Best Part of) Breaking Up,” “Do I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain.” The group parted ways after a 1967 European tour, in part amidst Phil Spector’s increasingly dictatorial oversight of their releases. (Ross has also said she left the group due to a desire to make Christian music she felt the Ronettes didn't alot room for.) Following the split, the trio spent decades fighting Spector over unpaid royalties and income—a judge ordered Spector to pay the group $2.6 million in 2000. In 2007, he was arrested and convicted for shooting and killing the actress Lana Clarkson.
After the Ronettes disbanded, Ross continued to release music solo.
