Rosalind Ashford-Holmes, the legendary Motown singer and original member of Martha and the Vandellas, has died at the age of 83.
Ashford-Holmes died Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Redford, Michigan, of natural causes, according to reports. She had celebrated her 83rd birthday just two weeks earlier.
A Detroit native, Ashford-Holmes was an important part of the signature sound of Martha and the Vandellas. Her soaring soprano vocals could be heard on some of the group’s most recognizable Motown recordings, including “Dancing in the Street,” “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run,” and “Jimmy Mack.”
Ashford-Holmes began singing as a young girl and became involved in Detroit’s vibrant music scene during the late 1950s. She was part of the vocal group the Del-Phis, which included Annette Beard and eventually Martha Reeves. The group later evolved into Martha and the Vandellas and signed with Motown Records.
Before becoming stars themselves, the singers worked as background vocalists for other Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells. Martha and the Vandellas broke through nationally with “Come and Get These Memories” in 1963 and went on to become one of Motown’s most successful female groups.
Ashford-Holmes remained with Martha and the Vandellas through 1969. During the group’s run, they recorded nearly two dozen Top 40 R&B hits, establishing themselves as one of the defining acts of the Motown era.
The group’s legacy was formally recognized in 1995 when Martha and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ashford-Holmes is listed among the group’s inducted members.
Following her years at Motown, Ashford-Holmes worked for Michigan Bell and continued to occasionally perform with former Vandellas members. She also reunited with Annette Beard for performances as the Original Vandellas. Outside of music, her son said she enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Martha Reeves mourned the loss of her longtime musical partner, remembering Ashford-Holmes for the important role she played during the early years of Martha and the Vandellas. Reeves said her former bandmate’s voice would live on through the recordings they made together.
Ashford-Holmes is survived by her son, Damon Holmes, four grandchildren and a daughter-in-law. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Rosalind Ashford-Holmes leaves behind a remarkable musical legacy and a voice forever connected to the golden era of Motown.
Y’all Know What sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, former bandmates and fans of Rosalind Ashford-Holmes. May she Rest in Peace.
