Legendary Motown singer and songwriter Nick Ashford had sadly passed away at the age of 70.
Ashford – who was known for his work with wife Ashley Simpson – started his career in the mid-60s, writing for artists such as Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, which brought him to the attention of Motown chief Barry Gordy.
The duo joined Motown in 1966 and were paired with Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, writing and producing the vast majority of their hit singles, including ‘Ain't No Mountain High Enough’, ‘Your Precious Love’, ‘Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing’, and ‘You're All I Need to Get By’.
They also had success as solo artists with records like ‘Don't Cost You Nothin'', ‘It Seems To Hang On’, ‘Is It Still Good to Ya’, ‘Found a Cure’, ‘Street Corner’, and their biggest hit, ‘Solid’, released in 1984.
DJs such as Dimitri from Paris and DJ Meme have expressed their sadness at the passing of Ashford, who had a profound effect upon their careers.
“Shocked and speechless, RIP Nick Ashford” wrote Dimitri on Twitter. “May your joyful, inspirational sounds, survive the string of bleeps that dance music is today.”
DJ Meme also tweeted: “One of the greatest singers, composers and artists of our century just left us: R.I.P. NICK ASHFORD !!!! I' really, REALLY sad.”
Ashford's death was attributed to throat cancer, and he is survived by his wife and their daughters Nicole and Asia. Our thoughts are with them both at this sad time.
