The Fabulous Ronettes!

It is with heavy heart that I 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.

Ross' death was announced by her daughter, Nedra K., in an April 26 Facebook post, ”At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord," Ross' daughter wrote. "She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord."

Nedra K. noted that a celebration of life ceremony will be planned, promising details to come at a later date.

Born Jan. 27, 1946, Nedra Yvonne Talley was one third of the celebrated trio known as the Ronettes, a girl-group with a distinctive blend of pop, R&B, and rock n' roll. The group was composed of sisters Veronica "Ronnie" Spector, Estelle Bennett and Talley, their cousin. Together they would go on to great acclaim, topping charts and eventually getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Prior to their rise to fame, the teenaged Bennett sisters and their cousin Talley — all raised in Spanish Harlem — sang at bar mitzvahs and school dances. They eventually caught the attention of Phil Spector and after signing to his Philles Records in 1963, produced their now-celebrated string of hits.

Among their most beloved songs was their recording of "Be My Baby," which swiftly climbed the charts hitting No. 2 on Billboard magazine’s pop music chart that year. They also produced such hits as , "Baby, I Love You", "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up" and "Walking in the Rain.

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.

The Ronettes additionally helped break down racial barriers, famously opening for The Beatles on their final world tour in 1966. They were a critical influence for many music icons that followed, including the late Amy Winehouse, who took direct inspiration in crafting her signature beehive hairdo and chic bad girl look.

The fabulous Ronettes recording at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles, 1963