Music
Rosalind Ashford
1943–2026 · singer
Detroit-born soprano and original member of Martha and the Vandellas, heard on "Heat Wave", "Dancing in the Street" and "Nowhere to Run".
- Born
Detroit, Michigan- Died
Redford, Michigan
aged 83- Also known as
- Rosalind Ashford-Holmes
- Detroit years
- 1943–2026
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Ashford was born in Detroit, sang in church choirs and in the glee club at Wilbur Wright High School. In 1957 her mother and sister got her an audition at a local YMCA, where Edward "Pops" Larkins recruited her, Annette Beard and Gloria Williams as the Del-Phis, a sister group for his male act. They sang at YMCA parties, benefits and school functions, recorded without success as the Del-Phis and the Vels, and became Marvin Gaye's backing singers once Martha Reeves joined. In September 1962, after backing Reeves on a demo, they signed with Motown as Martha and the Vandellas. Ashford's high harmony sits on "Come and Get These Memories", "Heat Wave", "Quicksand", "Dancing in the Street" and "Nowhere to Run". She left in 1969, worked for the Detroit telephone company, and later toured with Beard as the Original Vandellas. She died in Redford in September 2026.
Highlights
- Original member of Martha and the Vandellas (1957–1969)
- Sang on "Heat Wave" and "Dancing in the Street"
- Backing singer on Marvin Gaye's early hits
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1995 with Martha and the Vandellas
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 2
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Recorded here · 1962–1969
Motown Museum
Martha and the Vandellas recorded here in Studio A.
Performed here · 1960s
Graystone Ballroom
Demolished · 1922–1980
Martha and the Vandellas played the ballroom, which Berry Gordy bought in 1963. Demolished in 1980.