09 September 2011

Ashford and Simpson

It's been a gross oversight on my part, both on this blog and on my show at GoldenStringRadio.org, not to acknowledge and share condolences for the passing of Mr. Nick Ashford of, arguably the greatest Soul duo of our time, Ashford & Simpson.


I'm really dating myself now but I used to be so amped when this video would come on Video Soul back in the day.  And I didn't really understand why at the time but I came to realize later in life that what it was that they were so good at is making the most inspirational and affirming music without being preachy. It was just universally good 'we got this' music.  The type of music that kept marriages together.  The type of music that kept family reunions festive even under storm clouds.  The type of music that had me dancing on the couch in my Spiderman pajamas each time Donnie Simpson would introduce it.  Plus this mix, exclusive to video version, had the best intro ever with Valerie Simpson's a capella building directly into the chorus. Brilliant.

Here are a couple of my favorite Ashford and Simpson songs:





I share in the grief for the loss of yet another musical icon but more so I celebrate a career that's personally touched my life as well as innumerable others.


Nick Ashford
1941 - 2011


1 comment:

Rodney Dezmund (CEO James And Palmer Hot Combs) said...

You should post a pic of that A&S bandana hanging at your house. That's one of the coolest pieces of music memorabilia ever.