A reliable source on Facebook is reporting that Bertha Barbee McNeal of The Velvelettes has passed. So sad to read this. Gutted.
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A reliable source on Facebook is reporting that Bertha Barbee McNeal of The Velvelettes has passed. So sad to read this. Gutted.
Bye bye sweet Bertha. You were dearly loved. Attachment 20124
Sad News! "Throw A Farewell Kiss" and Rest In Peace Bertha.
Great photo of beautiful Bertha. Always seemed to be happy and smiling. Very sad day.
Such sad news. Condolences to her family. May she R.I.P.
Such terrible news. Prayers out to her family and fans.
Oh no! What sad news to see this morning. Bertha was always so friendly to everyone, such a nice lady. I will treasure our few times together. The last was in May at Duke's book signing in Detroit. I asked her how everyone was doing. At the time she expressed concern for the health of another member of the group, so this is such a shock that is was she who passed away. My condolences to her family and the remaining Velvelettes, her passing will certainly leave a void. :[[
Darin
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Sad news indeed. In terms of pure talent and the appeal of their songs, the Velvelettes could have held their own against the Big Three if they had been given the opportunity and it was ironic that they continued to perform as much and maybe more than the other groups did. To have their entire lineup intact for so long was a miracle as well. Oh well, "One Door Closes" and another one opens...........so we have a pretty good idea as to which "door" she has now entered.
I'm so sad to hear this news. May she Rest In Peace and may her loved ones find comfort. Sigh.
Condolences to her family & friends. Rest in Peace, Bertha.
Bertha always seemed the most upfront of the girls when they were doing interviews. They were the Motown group with all original members intact. Not any more sadly
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So very sad to hear this news. I have a most cherished memory of being in her room while she rehearsed 'Let love live' with the girls. She was such a dear, sweet Lady. [[Thanks John for making this moment happen)
RIP, Bertha Barbee. Heaven is another Motown-artist richer, thanks to you.
The Velvelettes are such a great group! RIP Bertha.
Here's an article in SoulTracks
https://www.soultracks.com/story-ber...ee-mcneal-dies
Bertha's cause of death of colon cancer has been disclosed. I'm pleased to read though that Robin Terry was able to talk with Bertha before she passed to give her praises. The Velvelettes were very involved with the Museum without a doubt and appeared at their functions regularly.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/en...s/69738696007/
Can't believe Bertha was 82 - always looks so young and happy and smiling on photos. Beautiful lady and she accomplished so much in her lifetime. I've never met her but I believe she did make time for the fans - many of whom seemed to become firm friends judging by some of the photos. Bertha will never be forgotten.
The Inkster Music teacher for the Marvelettes Romeo Phillips talks about 45 minutes. Robin Terry of the Motown Museum talks at 1hr 4 mins followed by Paul Riser. A devastated Cal Street talks at 1hr 25 mins
I knew Cal would be beside herself with the loss of Bertha, after seeing this I know that without a doubt. How sad for her, I know going to events without her best friend is going to be very difficult for some time.
I totally agree. That speech came from the heart.Quote:
Originally Posted by DWSheffer
such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.
I thought so too. As Cal said...she was an angel. One of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet.Quote:
Originally Posted by motony
I'm saddened to learn this awful news today. Here is a photo I took of The Velvelettes performing in Hemsby, 2004. My condolences to family, friends, The Velvelettes and theboyfromxtown.
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