Rosalind Ashford, one of the original voices of Martha and the Vandellas, has died at 83. The Detroit native passed away on September 15, 2026, in Redford, Michigan, from natural causes. Her voice helped define some of Motown’s most memorable recordings, including “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run,” and “Jimmy Mack.” 💔🎶

Ashford was still a student at Wilbur Wright High School when she joined Annette Beard and Gloria Williams to form The Del-Phis. Martha Reeves later became part of the group, which eventually signed with Motown and became Martha and the Vandellas. Their breakthrough arrived in 1963 with “Come and Get These Memories,” followed by “Heat Wave,” which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination.

The group’s biggest moment came in 1964 with “Dancing in the Street,” a song that climbed to No. 2 and later became a classic covered by artists including The Mamas & the Papas and Van Halen. Ashford remained with the Vandellas until 1969, contributing to nearly two dozen Top 40 R&B hits before later working for Michigan Bell while continuing to perform. ✨

In 1995, Ashford and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, becoming only the second all-female group to receive the honor at that time. Martha Reeves remembered her former bandmate as an important part of the group’s early years, saying her voice would live on through their recordings. Ashford is survived by her son, Damon, four grandchildren and a daughter-in-law. Her Motown legacy will continue through the music she helped create. 🕊️