Motown Duo Ashford & Simpsons’ Nick Ashford Dies from Throat Cancer

“Ashford & Simpson,” the Motown duo of husband Nick Ashford and wife Valerie Simpson is broken after the former died from throat cancer at the age of 70.

The legendary songwriting duo has been credited for writing hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Hand” and “I’m Every Woman.”

Aside from their songwriting talents, “Ashford & Simpson” sand several hit songs, the most famous of which was the 80s classic “Solid As A Rock.”

They first met each other in 1964, when Ashford was an aspiring dancer and the 17-year old Simpson was studying music. Upon finding each other, they almost instantly decided to make music together. Their first batch of songs was sold for $64 at that time, which gave them the confidence to pursue their musical interest more seriously.

They first real breakthrough came when their song “Let’s Go Get Stoned” was sung by Ray Charles and it became a massive hit. This got them noticed by Motown Records, who then signed them to write songs for the label’s artists.

While their creations for others sold millions of albums, Ashford & Simpson’s own singing career never reached the dizzying heights of their clients apart from that one hit in “Solid As a Rock.”

Earth, Wind and Fire’s Verdine White paid a glowing tribute to the duo’s services in transforming promising singers into legends. “They had magic, and that’s what creates those wonderful hits, that magic. Without those songs, those artists wouldn’t have been able to go to the next level,” he said.

Details about Ashford’s death haven’t been released as of yet.

Source: [The Telegraph]

Image Source: [kalamu.com]