Gone But Never Forgotten: A Look at The Life And Career Of Nick Ashford May 4, 1942 – August 22, 2011
It was widely reproted yesterday that Motown classics writer Nick Ashford has died at the age of 70 after a history of battling throat cancer. Ashford is Known best for teaming up his wife and song writing partner Valerie Simpson to compose some of Motown’s Classic records. One half of the famed writing duo Ashford and Simpson, he worked with greats like Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye with Tammi Terrel, Aretha Franklin, and Gladys Knight & The Pips . Away from Motown he wrote for the likes of Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, and Teddy Pendergrass. As artists he and his Wife had Notable hits of their own. Their biggest hit “Solid” was released in 1984.
In 1996, he and Simpson opened the New York based restaurant Sugar Bar. The venue regularly features the combo of dinner and live on stage entertainment. We at Clizbeats even had the pleasure of sampling live entertainment that was not unlike its regular open mic nights that have featured a variety of today’s acclaimed singers. Beginning his career 47 years ago, Nick Ashford has been blessed with the gift to achieve several times, what some artists fight their entire lives to achieve just once.
Below we have listed some of the many songs that have made such an indelible mark on pop culture they have become pure Americana at its best. Outside of the rare exception of Diana Ross’s “Reach Out And Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” which still eared a very respectable number 7 peak position on the Billboard R&B chart, each of these songs were able to peak with in the R&B chat’s top 3 or better. Some songs were able to do so on more than one chart at a time, and have revisited success as they were covered and sampled by other artists. Rest In Peace Nickolas Ashford. You will never be forgotten!
Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell
“Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing“
Motown Records
Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell
“Your Precious Love“
Motown Records
Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell
“Aint No Mountain High Enough”
Motown Records
Dianna Ross
“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)”
Motown Records
Chaka Khan
“I’m Every Woman”
Warner Bros Records
Whitney Houston
“I’m Every Woman”
Arista Records
Ashford & Simpson
“Solid”
Capitol Records
