Rosalind Ashford, Founding Member of Martha and the Vandellas, Dies at 83
Rosalind Ashford, founding member of the legendary Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas, has died at age 83 from natural causes in Michigan.
Rosalind Ashford, the soprano singer and founding member of the legendary girl group Martha and the Vandellas, has passed away at the age of 83. According to the Detroit Free Press, she died of natural causes in a Detroit suburb.
A Motown Legend
Ashford was an original member of the lineup that achieved massive success under the Motown label. She participated in more than 20 singles that reached the top 40 of the American Billboard R&B chart. Her biggest hits include the chart-topping Heat Wave and the classic Dancing in the Street.
Lead singer Martha Reeves issued an emotional tribute following her passing.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rosalind, who played such an important role in the early days of Martha and the Vandellas. Her voice will stay with us forever through our wonderful recordings.
Beyond the Spotlight
Despite incredible success, Ashford chose to leave the band and the music industry in 1969 to work for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, only occasionally reuniting with her bandmates over the years. In 1995, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
