Nedra Talley Ross, one of the founding members of the iconic Ronettes, whose vocals made songs such as "Be My Baby" a rock standard of the 1960s, died Sunday at her Chesapeake home.
According to the New York Times, she was 80. Her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, posted an announcement on Facebook, sharing that her mother died surrounded by family "knowing she was loved." A memorial service is being planned. A cause of death wasn't included.
Ross was the last survivor of the trio, which consisted of Ross and cousins Estelle and Veronica Bennett; Veronica would later become known as Ronnie Spector.
The group, according to The Times, embodied the quintessential girl group looks of the 1950s and early '60s, with their sky-high updos, matching dresses and sweet yet sultry harmonies.
The teens began singing in their Washington Heights, New York home and found local success in small venues. The singers were eventually signed by Phil Spector, who produced their first and biggest hit, 1962’s "Be My Baby."
The group notched other hits, including "Baby, I Love You" and "Walking in the Rain" and toured with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The three broke up in 1967, and Ross married radio personality Scott Ross and moved to Hampton Roads.
Scott Ross worked for The 700 Club in Virginia Beach, according to legacy.com. Ross later recorded a Christian album, produced by her husband. They had four children.
The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and reunited to sing "Be My Baby."
