Rosalind Ashford, Motown Pioneer and Founding Member of Martha and the Vandellas, Dies at 83

Rosalind Ashford, a foundational member of the iconic Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, died on Tuesday at her home in Redford, Michigan. She was 83. The cause of death was natural causes, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Ashford was a key voice in the group from its inception, singing on enduring hits such as "Heat Wave," "My Baby Loves Me," "Quicksand," and "Nowhere to Run." She also contributed backing vocals to recordings by Marvin Gaye.

She remained with Martha and the Vandellas from 1957 until 1969. The group, originally formed as The Del-Phis and later known as The Vels, was signed to Motown Records by Berry Gordy, who renamed them Martha and the Vandellas.

Lead singer Martha Reeves, 85, paid tribute to Ashford on social media, calling her an "important part" of the group's early days. "Her voice will forever be with us through our great recordings together, and she will be missed, but never forgotten," Reeves wrote on Instagram. "Our Motown Family has just gotten a little smaller. My heart is heavy."

Ashford was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Martha and the Vandellas in 1995. She continued to perform with former group members periodically, including at a tribute event for Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops in 2004. She was also present at a Motown Family Night event in New York City in 2013.

The City of Detroit also honored Ashford, stating that her "voice helped shape the sound of Motown." Condolences were extended to her family and friends, with the city adding, "Her voice and legacy will forever be part of Detroit."

Ashford is survived by her son, Damon Holmes, four grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law.