(September 16, 2026) Legendary Motown singer Martha Reeves posted the sad news of the passing of Rosalind Ashford of Reeve’s Hall of Fame group, The Vandellas, at age 83:
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rosalind Ashford. Rosalind played an important part in the early days of Martha and the Vandellas. Her voice will forever be with us through our great recordings together, and she will be missed, but never forgotten. Our Motown Family has just gotten a little smaller. My heart is heavy. “
Martha Reeves
As an original member of Martha and the Vandellas, Rosalind “Roz” Ashford was an important part of one of the most exciting vocal groups to emerge from Detroit in the 1960s. Born September 2, 1943, in Detroit, Ashford sang in church and school groups before joining Reeves, Annette Beard and Gloria Williams in a young vocal group organized by Edward “Pops” Larkins, known as the Del-Phis. After a few early recordings failed to catch on, Ashford, Reeves and Beard found themselves doing background work at Motown, notably singing behind Marvin Gaye on early recordings.
In 1962, the trio signed with Motown and became Martha and the Vandellas. Success came quickly. “Come and Get These Memories” became their first major hit in 1963, followed by the fiery “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave.” Over the next several years, the group delivered some of the most enduring songs of the Motown era, including “Dancing in the Street,” “Nowhere to Run,” “I’m Ready for Love” and “Jimmy Mack.” Ashford’s soaring soprano was a key ingredient in the group’s powerful vocal blend throughout its peak years.
Ashford remained with the Vandellas through several personnel changes before leaving near the end of the 1960s. She subsequently married and pursued a career with Michigan Bell Telephone Company, largely stepping away from the music business.
She would return periodically to her musical roots. Ashford reunited with Martha Reeves and Annette Beard for performances and, in 1989, the original Vandellas recorded the single “Step Into My Shoes” for UK label Motorcity Records. Ashford and Beard have also performed over the years as The Original Vandellas.
In 1995, Rosalind Ashford was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Martha and the Vandellas, recognition of a group whose energetic recordings helped define the sound of Motown and remain favorites more than six decades later.
She was quietly part of soul music history, helping to create some of the most iconic songs of the genre’s most iconic labels. May she rest in peace
