Solid As A Rock: Farewell to Nick Ashford Of Ashford & Simpson
Here’s what I remember about Nick Ashford: He was an amazing songwriter and producer. A singer. And a man who worked with a fellow songwriter and producer who also was his wife a woman he seemed to absolutely adore. Nick and his wife, Valerie who comprised the duo Ashford & Simpson are icons in our world, not just because the music they wrote provided the soundtrack to our lives, but because each song seemed to be the manifestation of their longtime friendship, 37-year marriage and 47-year career together. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. You’re All I Need To Get By. Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing. Your Precious Love. I’m Every Woman. Is It Still Good To Ya. Found A Cure. And their monster duet, Solid. Each of these songs penned by the duo are, simply, unforgettable for reasons far beyond that they were hits. Listen to the lyrics and you’ll know exactly what I mean.
I couldn’t agree more with what one fan said on the AshfordSimpsonVEVO page on YouTube:
Ashford and Simpson, didn’t just write songs, they were giving us instructions, on how to have successful relationships, how to be there for one another, on how to stand the test of time, on how to love that special someone. I hope we listen, and follow by example! sirrah6767
Indeed.
Nick Ashford passed away yesterday from complications caused by throat cancer. He was 70. He is survived by his wife, Valerie, and their two daughters.
Fly with the angels, Nick. What a day of rejoicing that will be.
Denene Millner
Mom. NY Times bestselling author. Pop culture ninja. Unapologetic lover of shoes, bacon and babies. Nice with the verbs. Founder of the top black parenting website, MyBrownBaby.
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That’s sad about his death. I do remember “Solid”!
I was always impressed by their great love and friendship that they have for each other.
May he rest in peace.
I pray that Valerie Simpson has wonderful friends and family supporting her as she journeys through her loss…
Farewell Nick Ashford…they don’t make them like you anymore
I’ll never forget the time that I met Nick Ashford, nearly 20 years ago at some fancy gala in New York. We were both standing in a (long) line for the pay phone (shows how long ago that was!). Turns out we were both waiting to call home and check in with the baby sitter (a common occurrence at events like this before the age of the celly). We struck up a long conversation (I did say the line was long!) about fatherhood and kids. What a great guy. He will always be one of the warmest, most unpretentious celebrities I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.
Solid has been one of our marriage theme songs (yes, we have them, and you should too). I was just imagining dancing to that song with my hubby in two years at our 20 year vow renewal. The song has such a beautiful way of explaining the process of being together. I appreciate the gifts he has given and the example he set. Fly Nick Ashford! You’ve earned it!
They are the last love crooners of MY time, there will never be a combination of love on and off the stage…much love!
So sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Fly, fly and join the celestial choir. I frequented the groovy club in Manhattan. My friends and I had a great time. The mountain sure is not high enough because you and Valerie made us feel Solid. You beautified the world.
Well said. I predate “Solid” but I loved “It Seems To Hang On” and the “Stay Free” LP of 1978/79 vintage. Recommended, sophosticated listening, up there with the best. – Chris