Rosalind Ashford, founding member of the Vandellas, dies at 83

Rosalind Ashford, a founding member of Martha and the Vandellas, has died at the age of 83. The singer, whose voice graced Motown classics such as “Heat Wave” and “Dancing in the Street,” passed away on Tuesday, September 15, in Michigan.

Her death, attributed to natural causes, occurred in Redford Township, a suburb of Detroit, according to reports from the Detroit Free Press and various U.S. media outlets.

Martha Reeves paid tribute to her in a message shared on social media. The singer acknowledged Rosalind Ashford’s role in the group’s early days and noted that her voice would continue to resonate in their shared recordings.

Rosalind Ashford formed the Del-Phis in Detroit in the late 1950s with Annette Beard and Gloria Williams. Following Martha Reeves’ arrival, the group evolved into Martha and the Vandellas, signing with Motown’s Gordy label in 1962.

The group then enjoyed a string of hits, including “Come and Get These Memories,” “Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run,” “Jimmy Mack,” and “Dancing in the Street.” The latter song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Martha and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Rosalind Ashford left the group and the music industry in 1969, although she later participated in several Vandellas reunions. She is survived by her son, Damon Holmes, four grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law.