Another stinkin’ obituary here, this time, legendary songwriter Nick Ashford who joins Jerry Leiber amongst the choir invisible who are now going to have one helluva songwriting duo working for them now.
Ashford was half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson who penned more astonishing songs than you’ve had hot dinners.
Together, they wrote hits for Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Marlena Shaw and, of course, had a number great records out themselves. So, instead of wallowing, let’s look at the amazing music.
Ashford worked alongside his wife, Valerie Simpson, and promptly went about creating some of the most iconic soul records ever to grace a fortunate ear.
Saldy, Ashford passed away after succumbing to throat cancer.
Their first major hit was Ray Charles’ ‘Let’s Go Get Stoned’ and soon, they were penning hits for Berry Gordy’s Motown label.
This magical pair were married for 38 years and helped numerous artists sell millions of records. Let us listen to some now.
Diana Ross ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’
The true Lady Diana got her signature hit from Ashford and Simpson after she quit The Supremes (who Nick and Valerie also wrote for).
Marlena Shaw ‘California Soul’
Originally written for 5th Dimension (who gave us ‘Up, Up and Away’), this song’s finest reading came from the sassy Marlena Shaw. Arguably the best tune written in Cali’s honour.
Ray Charles ‘I Don’t Need No Doctor’
While ‘…Stoned’ may have been Ashford’s biggest number for Charles, the best is the wonderful dancefloor stormer that is ‘I Don’t Need No Doctor’.
Valerie & Nick ‘I’ll Find You’
The couple originally released their own records and penned this fantastic soulful track. While it may not have been a hit, you can certainly hear the outrageous talent the pair had as performers on this cut.
Marvin Gaye? & Tammi Terrell ‘You’re All I Need To Get By’
One of Motown’s most famous tracks, performed by Motown’s first couple, written by Motown’s First Couple.
Chaka Khan ‘I’m Every Woman’
Ashford and Simpson weren’t just tied to soul music, making the transition into disco with aplomb. Chaka Khan’s famous song of female empowerment came from the pens of Ashford and Simpson and still sounds as fresh as ever.
Valerie Simpson ‘Silly Wasn’t I?’
Off the radar, Ashford and Simpson continued to make records and this is one that in more famous hands, would’ve sold a trillion copies. That doesn’t make it less good. This is perfect soul.
Ashford & Simpson ‘Solid’
Even in the ’80s, the pair were still writing giganto hits, this time, the immediately recognisable ‘Solid’, which finally saw the couple having a hit under their own names.
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