A Dynamic Duo Whose Music Left A Soulful Mark
Ashford and Simpson were a husband and wife duo who made a name for themselves as one of the most successful songwriting and performing teams in the music industry. Their collaboration spanned over four decades and produced some of the most iconic songs of the R&B and soul genres.
Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson met in the choir of Harlem’s White Rock Baptist Church, where they first discovered their shared passion for music. They began writing songs together in the mid-1960s, and quickly found success with their compositions being recorded by artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye.
In 1973, Ashford and Simpson started performing as a duo themselves, releasing their first album “Gimme Something Real” in 1973. The album was a commercial success, and the title track became a top 40 hit on the Billboard R&B chart.
Over the next decade, Ashford and Simpson continued to release successful albums and singles, including “Send It,” “Found a Cure,” and “Solid,” which became one of their most well-known and beloved songs. They also continued to write hit songs for other artists, including Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Whitney Houston.
Ashford and Simpson’s music was known for its soulful melodies, catchy hooks, and socially conscious lyrics. They tackled issues of love, heartbreak, and relationships, as well as larger societal issues like poverty and racism. Their music was beloved by fans around the world and inspired generations of musicians.
Ashford & Simpson were nominated for 3 Grammy awards and created 14 studio albums, where both “Solid” and “Is It Still Good to Ya” charted No. 1 on the US R&B charts.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, Ashford and Simpson were also active in the civil rights movement and worked as advocates for social justice. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002, and Nickolas Ashford passed away in 2011.
The legacy of Ashford and Simpson lives on through their timeless music, which continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world. Their career is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and a shared passion for music.
Below are some of the duo’s most popular songs as well as live performances from the two. The live performance shows the true chemistry that the two shared which made their connection in the music even stronger.
