Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson Passes Away

In some unfortunate news this morning, Nick Ashford of the popular Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson has died at the age of 70.
Unbeknown to many, the singer/songwriter had been battling throat cancer and succumbed to the disease at a New York hospital yesterday, August 22.

Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown’s biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said publicist Liz Rosenberg, who was Ashford’s longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she told The Associated Press.

The husband and wife duo are responsible for hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “You’re All I Need To Get By”, “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”, and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)”. They even garnered success as musicians with their own hit song “Solid As A Rock” in the mid 1980’s. Ashford & Simpson were also inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ashford is survived by his wife and musical partner Valerie Simpson and their two daughters Nicole and Asia. Unfortunately, Valerie will celebrate her 65th birthday this Friday without her love by her side.

My he rest in peace.

(photo: (Jason Kempin, Getty Images/LA Times) & (News source: ABC News)