Songwriter and Musician Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, died aged 70 on Monday.
Ashford and his wife Valerie Simpson played a key role in writing some of the most popular soul tunes of the 20th Century, including the original version of Diana Ross‘ ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ and Chaka Khan‘s ‘I’m Every Woman.’ Amongst others, he has also worked with Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross.
Friends and Fans of the late songwriter gathered at ‘Sugar Bar’ in New York, which Ashford founded. At the event Verdine White of R&B/Funk super-group Earth, Wind and Fire declared that, “His music is unmatched in terms of great songwriting.
“They had magic and that’s what creates those wonderful hits… Without those songs, those artists wouldn’t have been able to go to the next level.”
Nick Ashford was diagnosed with throat cancer last year, and had been undergoing treatment at a New York hospital before he died. He is survived by his wife Valerie Simpson, the other half of Ashford & Simpson, and two daughters.
