In this Oct. 29, 2007 file photo, Singers Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson attend the 2007 G&P Foundation 10th Annual Angel Ball in New York. Ashford's longtime friend and former publicist told The Associated Press that Ashford died Monday, Aug. 22, 2011 in a New York City hospital. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File)
Nick Ashford, half of veteran songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, passed away on Monday at the age of 70.
The singer-songwriter, who along with his partner and wife of 38 years, Valerie Simspon, penned classic R&B songs, many from the fabled Motown era, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” made famous by Diana Ross, and “You’re All I Need (To Get By),” sung by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell.
Aside from dozens of soulful hits written for the likes of Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, Ashford & Simpson were an accomplished duo in their own right, finding the most success with their enduring “Solid as a Rock.”
The couple was married for 38 years, working together for all of them, and as Verdine White, of legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire explained, “That was what was special about them.”
Nick Ashford, along with Valerie Simpson were responsible for writing songs that would go on to sell millions of records for some of R&B’s most successful artists over the years including Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Teddy Pendergrass.
Nick Ashford died in a New York City hospital on Monday, according to his publicist, where he had been battling throat cancer. He was 70 years old.
