The music world is grieving the loss of a legend now that Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson has passed away.
People.com reports that Nick died Monday in New York after losing his battle with throat cancer.
Nick and his wife, Valerie Simpson, made a name for themselves in the world of music by penning such hits as "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," "I’m Every Woman" and "You’re All I Need to Get By." They signed to Berry Gordy’s Motown label after Ray Charles recorded their breakout track "Let’s Go Get Stoned." They also had the privilege to pen a song for The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.
At Motown, Ashford & Simpson worked with such acts as Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Chaka Khan. The duo also had a very successful recording career of its own, putting out songs like "Solid As a Rock."
As part of Ashford & Simpson, Nick also had a hand in launching the careers of other writers. For example, Nick produced Gamble & Huff’s "I’m Gonna Make You Love Me."
“Nick Ashford was truly one of our favorite songwriting colleagues and producers," Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff said in a joint statement. "We’re longtime admirers of Ashford & Simpson as one of the greatest songwriting teams ever. Nick was a multi-talented artist, and he will be truly, truly missed by both of us.”
Nick is survived by Valerie and their two daughters.
—Sonya Eskridge
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