Nick Ashford, the "Ashford" of the songwriting/performing team Ashford and Simpson (photo), recently passed away from cancer at age 70. The Associated Press obit appears in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.I saw Ashford and Simpson walking together on New York streets a few times during the height of their songwriting fame. They strolled as one, sensing each other's physical presence while talking or not speaking. Seeing them in person as a couple enjoying an early summer afternoon, rather than as "are you ready" performers, lent a gentle perspective to their songs.
Their songwriting skills are what I remember best about Ashford and Simpson's music. Singers from Ray Charles to Whitney Houston used their material to create terrific music. The duo wrote hits, such as "You're All I Need to Get By," that Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell brought to such completely satisfying, moving interpretation. Ashford and Simpson also performed their own work, which I believe helped them understand what made a song something special. That grasp, formed through intuition, experience, and training, is something no algorithm can duplicate, yet alone master.
Ashford is survived by his wife, Valerie Simpson, and their two children.
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