A second great songwriter dies today
mainAin’t No Mountain High Enough is one Nick Ashford wrote for his ever-loving wife Valerie Simpson.
He has died in New York, the same day as Jerry Leiber.
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Amen to the “great songwriter” kudos. As lyricist and lifetime partner of Valerie Simpson, Nick Ashford helped to develop Motown Records’ second, more sophisticated phase, with songs of depth, penetrating melody and, of course, soul. Moreover, he was a delightful, cultured man, whose grace when interviewed was second only to Valerie’s feistiness. Their songs will endure. And credit to you, Norman, for recognising someone in this musical sphere.