The passing of Nick Ashford on August 22^nd at 70-years-old brings back memories of the days of great songwriting from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s that artists built their careers on.

     Nick Ashford along with his long time writing partner and later wife Valerie Simpson, wrote songs that did more than become “hits” of the moment; these songs became standards of R&B and Pop still sung over and over from re-makes and commercials, to American Idol.

Although Ashford & Simpson began writing independently, it was a chance to join Motown and their amazing roster of artists that gave them a chance to jump into the history books.

     Here is just a partial list of what these two amazing individuals wrote together and the artists who made them famous:

• Glady’s Knight & The Pips:    Didn’t You Know You’d Have to Cry Sometime, Taste Of Bitter Love, Bougie Bougie.
• Smokey Robinson & The Miracles:       Who’s Gonna Take The Blame
• Marvin Gaye/Tammie Terrell:     Your Precious Love, Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing, You’re All I Need To Get By,
• Diana Ross:    Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

     The Duo eventually wanted to record some of their own music but Motown Execs weren’t receptive to the idea (surprising given both had great looks and would eventually develop excellent stage presence) so they eventually set out on their own.

Into the 70’s and 80’s Ashford & Simpson adapted well to the changing sound of R&B.   Their own hits included “disco” flavored songs like Found A Cure and It Seems to Hang On.   Love Ballads were a specialty including Send It, Is It Still Good To You and Happy Endings.   But it was probably the early 80’s that best proved this “dynamic duo” worthy of inclusion among the greats.  The songs Street Corner and chart-topping crossover hit “Solid” were favorites of not only radio and clubs, but street DJ’s who mixed and remixed those two records at a time when the sounds of the streets including rap were beginning to influence R&B.

     Ashford & Simpson’s songs were unique in that they went deep into love, long-term commitment and human emotion.   There were catchy hooks, but also a sense of purpose, structure and redemption, a far cry from the “quick sex/quick break up/no good man” songs we’ve become all too used to from many of today’s popular song-writers and producers.   And Ashford & Simpson were not afraid to make a statement in their songs with one of their finest examples, I’m Every Woman, performed by both Chaka Khan and later Whitney Houston who’s rendition wound up on the soundtrack of the box office hit, “The Bodyguard”.

     Nick Ashford was born in South Carolina, raised in Michigan and attended college for a short time at Eastern Michigan University before moving to New York to earn a living as a dancer.   In 1964 after hitting hard times Mr. Ashford wound up seeking help at Harlem’s White Rock Baptist Church where he first encountered Valerie singing in the choir.   They sold a batch of songs together later that year, kicking off a long career including a marriage in 1974 and numerous ventures including hosting a daily top-rated radio show for several years and ownership of two club-restaurants including NYC’s popular “Sugar Bar”.

     These two seemed to find success at every turn and we as music lovers were the better for it.

     Rest in peace Nick Ashford. Thank you!