Today, there was a sad announcement. Legendary Motown songwriter and half of R&B duo Ashford & Simpson, Nick Ashford passed away Monday night. Nick Ashford was an acclaimed artist and writer, whose work was among some of the best of the 21st century. In memory of his great contribution to pop music, I present three songs that you should stop and listen to.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough-Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross
This song has been used in movies, television shows, commercials and the like but it all started with the beautiful harmonies of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell whose sweetly tinged vocals made the song an instant classic in the mid 1960s. Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson later retooled the song for newly minted solo artist, Diana Ross in the early 1970s and it took on a whole new life.
"I'm Every Woman" Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston
This was the song that sent Chaka Khan into the stratosphere as a solo artist after she left Rufus in the late 1970s. With its disco beat and infectious groove, the title and the song has remained in the pop culture lexicon since. It was covered by Whitney Houston in the early 1990s and became a hit again.
"You're All I Need to Get By" Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Another Marvin & Tammi classic that has been sang at weddings for decades since. It's simple lyrics and building rhythm is amazingly profound. There are few love songs that express the same power in three minutes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/23/arts/music/nick-ashford-of-motown-writing-duo-dies-at-70.html?_r=1&src=ISMR_HP_LO_MST_FB
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