Who is Nedra Talley Ross? Meet Late CBN Host Scott Ross Wife

Nedra Talley Ross is an American singer who was part of the famous girl group the Ronettes in the 1960s. She is also the widow of Scott Ross, a former radio DJ and Christian TV personality who died on August 10, 2023. In this article, we will look at her life, career, faith, and family.

From New York to Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Ronettes

Nedra Talley was born on January 27, 1946, in New York City. She has a mixed heritage of African American, Native American, and Puerto Rican. She grew up in a musical family and started singing with her cousins Ronnie and Estelle Bennett when they were young. They formed a group called the Ronettes and began performing at local venues and clubs.

The Ronettes attracted the attention of producer Phil Spector, who signed them to his label Philles Records in 1963. He gave them a unique sound and style, featuring their harmonious vocals, lush orchestration, and glamorous outfits and hairstyles.

The Ronettes became one of the most popular girl groups of the time, with hits such as “Be My Baby”, “Baby, I Love You”, “Walking in the Rain”, and “The Best Part of Breakin’ Up”. They also toured with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and appeared on TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and Shindig.

However, behind the scenes, the Ronettes faced many problems and struggles. Spector was domineering and abusive, especially towards Ronnie, whom he married in 1968. He isolated them from their loved ones, stopped them from recording new songs, and denied them their royalties. He also sabotaged their career by suing other labels that wanted to work with them. In 1967, Nedra Talley Ross and Estelle quit the group, feeling disappointed and disillusioned with the music industry.

Meeting Scott Ross and Finding Christ

After leaving the Ronettes, Nedra Talley Ross met Scott Ross, a DJ who worked for WABC radio in New York. They fell in love and got married in 1967. Scott was also a Christian who had wandered away from his faith. He asked Nedra to go to a church service with him in Maryland, where his mother lived. Nedra agreed, but she was doubtful and nervous about going to church.

She said:

I went to church, but I stood in the parking lot and got high first, on grass. I got high and went to the church. And – but I always say this. I sat in the – way in the back where the Lord couldn’t see us.

However, during the service, someone had a word from God for two people who were there. The word was:

Come back to me. I’ll take your cares, your worries. Put them on me.

Nedra and Scott felt that God was speaking to them personally. They responded to the invitation and gave their lives to Jesus Christ. They became born-again Christians and started to grow in their faith.

Singing for God and Raising a Family

Nedra Talley Ross decided to pursue a career in Christian music, feeling that there was no place for her in secular music anymore. She recorded several songs written by Ted Sandquist, a music director at her church. These songs were released on an album called The Courts of the King: The Worship Music of Ted Sandquist in 1977. One of the songs, a medley of “Love of My Lord” and “Redwood Tree”, was released as a single. Guitarist Phil Keaggy played on some of the tracks with her.

In 1978, Nedra Talley Ross recorded another album called Full Circle, which featured more contemporary Christian music. Keaggy wrote the title track and also played some of the songs with her. The album was produced by Scott Ross, who had become a TV host for CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network). The album’s inner sleeve included Nedra’s testimony of how she came to Christ, as well as a photo of her with Estelle Bennett and John Lennon and George Harrison of the Beatles from their tour in 1966.

She did not record any more albums after Full Circle but she occasionally sang on other projects such as Roger McGuinn’s The Folk Den Project (1995–2005), which featured an old folk song called “Follow the Drinking Gourd”. She also joined Ronnie and Estelle for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Nedra and Scott had four children together: Scott Jr., Jonathan David (JD), Joshua Aaron (Josh), and Joy Elizabeth (Joy). They faced some challenges as an interracial couple living in the South, but they also experienced God’s grace and protection. They moved to Virginia Beach, where CBN is based, and became involved in the ministry. Nedra also worked in real estate as a businesswoman.

Scott Ross’s Death and Nedra’s Legacy

Scott Ross passed away on August 10, 2023, at the age of 73. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2015, but he did not let it shake his faith in God. He said:

You know, the Big ‘C’ is not cancer. It’s Christ. The Big ‘C’ is not cancer, it’s the cross. The Big C’s commitment, it’s covenant. So, it’s not cancer.

He also encouraged others to trust God in times of trouble:

“When the Lord’s talking to Jeremiah and he says, ‘I took you into a desert,’ uh look at all the times that God was quiet, he didn’t answer. That’s where trust comes in.”

Scott was known for his long and successful career in radio and TV, hosting various shows for CBN such as The 700 Club, Scott Ross Straight Talk, and The Scott Ross Show. He also interviewed many celebrities, musicians, and public figures, sharing the gospel with them and showing them God’s love. He was a father, grandfather, husband, and friend to many. He was mourned by his family and the CBN community.

Nedra Talley Ross is still alive and well as of August 16, 2023. She is 77 years old and lives in Virginia Beach with her family. She is a singer, a wife, and a fighter who has overcome many obstacles and hardships in her life. She is also a woman of faith who has dedicated her life to serving God and others. She is an inspiration to many people who have heard her story and her music.

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