(AURN News) — Rosalind Ashford, an original member of Martha and the Vandellas, has died at 83, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Detroit native died Tuesday of natural causes in Redford Township, Michigan.
Ashford helped shape the sound of Motown, singing on classics including “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” “Jimmy Mack,” “Quicksand,” “Nowhere to Run” and “I’m Ready for Love.”
Ashford joined Annette Beard and Gloria Williams in the Del-Phis before Martha Reeves became part of the group.
After recording backup vocals for Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells, the singers were offered a Motown deal by Berry Gordy.
Martha and the Vandellas scored nearly two dozen Top 40 singles on Billboard’s R&B chart.
In 1995, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, becoming the second all-female group to receive the honor.
Ashford left the group in 1969 after several hits.
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