Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson dies

The music world has experienced another tragic loss. As The New York Times points out, Nick Ashford, one half of legendary duo Ashford & Simpson, died Monday at the age of 70 in a New York hospital after suffering from throat cancer. The duo is mostly known for penning timeless hits such as Diana Ross’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I Need to Get By,” and Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” among many others. As writers and producers, the marital duo conjured a particularly elegant and romantic form of pop music that drew inspiration from the pair’s roots in gospel music, but employed sophisticated melodies and sweeping arrangements, thus becoming one of Motown Records’ most sough-after songwriters.

Fellow musicians within the industry mourn the loss. On Twitter, Alicia Keys wrote:

“I’m so sad that he’s gone. … So many of the greatests are going to a greater place … what a legacy of infectious music … man!”

Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire said:

“His music is unmatched in terms of great songwriting. They had magic and that’s what creates those wonderful hits, that magic,” White added. “Without those songs, those artists wouldn’t have been able to go to the next level.”

Below you can watch the video to their arguably biggest hit as recording artists, “Solid as a Rock.” Rest in Power.

Ashford & Simpson – Solid as a Rock