Nick Ashford: Love Will Fix It
In a previous article entitled "Top 10 R&B Singing Duos", I listed them at numero-uno and described Ashford and Simpson as "pros." http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5689976/top_10_rb_singing_duos.html?cat=7 . They were among only a hand full of music industry personalities left in any genre that can be identified as such. Nickolas Ashford passed away yesterday at the age of 70.
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson met in 1963 at the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem. They wed in 1974. Together they were songwriting royalty. Through the Nick-O-Val Music (publishing) Company the pair penned many familiar tunes for many famous recording artists, but some of their best songs were for themselves. Hearing them perform songs like "It Seems To Hang On", "Let Love Use Me", Take All the Time You Need", "Solid", "Is It Still Good To Ya", and "Found A Cure" provided rich and thoughtful perspectives on the cycles of relationships.
Like most successful producers behind the scenes these two were also perfectionists in the recording booth and live on stage. Their passion on stage was hard to match, and over the years they were an African-American power couple that was always together. All we know is Ashford and Simpson. Not one without the other; much like Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. Their purpose seemed to be builders of relationships, not destroyers. Brick by brick they appeared solid and they tried to share that blueprint with the rest of us through music.
It goes without words that Valerie will miss her Nick, and her heart must be broken. But you have to believe that their love has already fixed it. And you have to believe that that is how they meant it when they wrote the lyrics "love will fix it" in the song "Found a Cure."
We will miss Nickolas Ashford.
Published by S. E. Masters
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3 Comments
Post a CommentI remember them well and am sorrowed that he has passed~Very sad indeed~
Malina...well said. Their music was spiritual, respectable and very digestible.
Yes, she must be heartbroken. It was a shock to hear of his passing. Together they were an awesome mix. They broke boundaries hat seemed unbreakable and were an astounding couple. It was obvious their love was grounded and 'Solid.'