Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson Dies At The Age of 70
Posted by Media Outrage on August 23rd, 2011
Nick Ashford lost his battle with Cancer at the age of 70:
Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said.
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown’s biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said Liz Rosenberg, who also was Ashford’s longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she said.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand” by Ross and “You’re All I Need To Get By” by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created classics for others, like the anthem “I’m Every Woman” by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston).
They also had success writing for themselves: Perhaps the biggest known hit sung by them was the 1980s hit “Solid As A Rock.”
Ashford and Simpson’s relationship stretched more than four decades. They met in 1964 in a New York City church; Ashford, a South Carolina native, had come to the city to pursue a dance career. Simpson was a music student, and after connecting with her, they decided to start to write songs together.
Their first major success occurred when they came up with “Let’s Go Get Stoned” for Ray Charles. That song became a huge hit, and soon, they came to the attention of Motown Records and began penning hits for their artists. The started out writing for Gaye and Terrell; in fact, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was originally their hit, until Ross later rerecorded it and made it her signature song.
The duo, who were married for 38 years, helped sell millions of records for several artists. They also had success as their own entity, but despite “Solid As a Rock,” their hits dwarfed those that they penned for others.
In recent years, the pair continued to perform. They also were owners of the New York City restaurant Sugar Bar, where many top names and emerging talents would put on showcases.
Ashford is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Mediaoutrage- R.I.P. He was definitely music royalty.
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:01 am
This was a shocker. Didn’t know Nick had throat cancer. A great, great talent has left us. I know Valerie is devastated by the loss of her love and partner of some 38 years. My condolences to Valerie and her family.
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LowRidaz Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:14 pm
oh i know, god bless her and her family and keep her strong, so many years together , it really does affect the other one when one gets ill, and passes. you become attached. they always looked so good and strong together, like they were one! i loved them.
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Truly23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 2:47 pm
I didn’t know either Yvonne.. Condolences to his family.. All the great ones are leaving us..
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August 23rd, 2011 at 12:43 pm
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Nick Ashford this morning he and Valerie were the nicest people they lived near my
high school ,they always had time for autographs or to just say hi.And they were always with their daughter.
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August 23rd, 2011 at 4:33 pm
One by one, we are losing our great perm artist of yester years, first James Brown, then Michael and now Nick, thank God death comes in three or else Lionel Richie would need to pack his relaxers and go lololol
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RIP Dude, i like that song … SOLID AS A ROCK!
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Ms. Behave Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 4:39 pm
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August 23rd, 2011 at 8:22 pm
What an awesome couple. RIP Nick
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August 23rd, 2011 at 8:26 pm
They have my deepest sympathy.
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August 23rd, 2011 at 11:32 pm
Another legend gone, for someone my age, i’m extremely lucky to have listened to their music ( thanks to my parents).I wish younger generation could take the time to listen to them. Thanks for the music and rest in peace Mr. Ashford
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August 24th, 2011 at 1:06 am
As an aspiring musical composer myself I rank Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson as one of the history defining composers of all-time!
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August 24th, 2011 at 11:08 am
ok im already goin to hell but…does anyone else think he resembled SCAR from the lion king???
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March 12th, 2012 at 10:17 am
Love the floppy left ear!! You go little guy!
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