In honor of the musical legacy left behind by famed singer/songwriter Nick Ashford, we’re looking back at the hits he and his wife Valerie gave the world over the last few decades. Take a trip down memory lane with the list of top singles written and/or performed by our favorite R&B/soul music lovebirds Ashford & Simpson.
What do these songs mean to you today? Share your thoughts with us below on the message board using your Twitter or Facebook profile to log in and leave us a comment. If you have a musical memory of your own connected to Ashford & Simpsons catalog of hits, be sure to name them on the message board and take our music poll to name your favorites.
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Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson Dies at Age 70
ASHFORD & SIMPSON – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1966)
Made successful initially after being recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, the song also became the very first hit single by Diana Ross as a solo artist shortly after her departure from The Supremes in 1970. The song was also nominated for a Grammy the same year.
ASHFORD & SIMPSON – “You’re All I Need to Get By” (1968)
Recorded in 1966 and 1967, the album and single “You’re All I Need to Get By” was initially a tune for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, but was later covered and sampled by The Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige in 1995. This song was also Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s last collaboration effort and official duet.
ASHFORD & SIMPSON – “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” (1968)
Released as the B-side of the single to Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s United LP, the song became a hit within weeks of its release peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart.
ASHFORD & SIMPSON – “Reach Out & Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” – (1970)
Released as the debut solo single for Diana Ross, the song quickly one of her signature hits with its gospel influence and encouraging lyrics.
ASHFORD & SIMPSON – “I’m Every Woman” (1978)
Originally penned by the successful songwriting duo, this song became one of Chaka Khan’s signature hits and was later covered by another R&B/soul songstrees, Ms. Whitney Houston in 1993 as the second single featured on the soundtrack to the hit film The Bodyguard.
ASHFORD & SIMPSON – “Solid” (1984)
Quickly becoming the duo’s biggest single to date and further establishing Ashford & Simpson as top performers, “Solid” topped the U.S. R&B charts and peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released on November 9, 1984.
Favorite Ashford & Simpson Song
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