Nick Ashford's star-studded funeral in Harlem, NY captured by BlackPress.org
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- (BlackPress.org) - Nick Ashford of Motown's Ashford & Simpson died August 22, 2011 of throat cancer.
by DC Livers
(BlackPressRadio.com) - Although she planned to remain silent during the service, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson was
moved to jump up from her seat and head to the piano.
Valerie Simpson's was moved to make remarks at the funeral of her husband since 1974 Nickolas Ashford at which famed Pastor Calvin Butts presided.
"I've got a lot to say about a great man. He was my soul mate. He was the man of my life. I'm going to miss my honey. I know he's looking down on us. I know he's happy."
The service began with a solo by singer Roberta Flack, who hugged Simpson following the moving vocal of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."
Actresses Phylicia Rashad recited Maya Angelou's "When Great Trees Fall."
"You and Nick showed so much love to people you didn't even know," actress Tichina Arnold (Everybody Hates Chris/Martin) told Simpson before singing a powerful rendition of "I'm Too Close" with singer Victor Cook.
Celebrities who attended: Susan Taylor, Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, Alvin Ailey's Judith Jamison, Actor Michael Douglas, Edgar Bronfman, Jr. and "Late Show With David Letterman" bandleader Paul Shaffer.
Motown founder Berry Gordon issued the following statement, calling Ashford "an all-around beautiful human being."
Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. issued a statement today about the death of longtime songwriter Nick Ashford:
"I am shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Nickolas Ashford. He, together with his wife Valerie Simpson, wrote and produced some of the most unique and memorable songs in the Motown catalog for some of Motown's biggest artists, such as Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's 'You're All I Need To Get By.' They were most responsible for the great hits of Diana Ross's solo career, including one of my favorites, 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough,' which became Diana's signature song.
"But more importantly to me, Nick Ashford was an all-around beautiful human being. Nick will always be a great part of the Motown family and legacy. I send my love and deepest sympathies to Val and his children.
"I will remember his warm smile, his great heart and the wonderful songs he left us with. Despite my personal sorrow, I know we will be celebrating his life forever."
Detroit's Motown Museum also issued a statement this afternoon:
"The Motown Museum wishes to express its profound shock and sadness upon learning of the passing of Motown Records alum Nicholas Ashford. He and his wife, Valerie Simpson, having joined the Motown family in 1966, established a legendary career as an accomplished vocalist and a prolific songwriter. For over eleven years, the songwriting team, known as Ashford & Simpson, wrote a string of hits most notably for Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
"While his legacy as a musical pioneer will be a permanent fixture in the history of American Music, Ashford was also a devoted husband, father and well known philanthropist. Nicholas Ashford will be sorely missed. Our prayers and condolences are extended to Valerie, daughters, Nicole and Asia, family, friends, and fans worldwide."
Other celebrities who remembered Ashford included Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of the famed group, "Gamble & Huff" who issued the following statement:
"Nick Ashford was truly one of our favorite songwriting colleagues and producers. He and Valerie Simpson had a major impact on Gamble & Huff's songwriting career, as Nick was responsible for producing a song we wrote, 'I'm Gonna Make You Love Me,' with Motown.
"Nick heard the song after we wrote it for Dee Dee Warwick and made it a major hit for Diana Ross and the Supremes and the Temptations together. We also worked with Ashford & Simpson on 'Is It Still Good to You,' which they wrote for Teddy
Pendergrass, and they did an excellent job. We're longtime admirers of Ashford & Simpson as one of the greatest songwriting teams ever. Nick was a multi-talented artist, and he will be truly, truly missed by both of us," said Gamble & Huff.
Video shot by DC Livers Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved.
Nick Ashford was a true genius together with his wife Valerie Simpson they were unstoppable May he rest in peace and may she find comfort .
This guy, coupled with Valerie Simpson was a true genius and musical legend. Their marriage defied all odds and you could clearly see they respected, admired and sincerely loved one another. It broke my heart when he passed.
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson teamed up to create some of the best music ever. RIP, Nick.
I remember seeing Mr. Ashford walking down the street in NYC and he was so handsome. I recognized him and He gave me a big smile and I smiled back at him. RIP forever.
Nick and his wife seem to have had a great relationship they vibed so well together. DP
I was so hurt by his death and hurt for his spouse. they really were solid as a rock and i just wanted although late to convey my condolences. We are all still here singing his songs and sending much love.
Love them. I literally walked right into him around the corner from their restaurant. Such a very sweet gentlemen. I was in shock when I looked up and saw it was him. He smiled and said its ok cutie its ok. RIP 👑. I still play their music.
They will always be remembered as the most lovable and talented couple ever to enter the music arena. RIP Mr. Nick Ashford.
I have worshipped Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson since l was ten years old! I love them both,God watch over them! Amen
They had what it took!!! That's a beautiful thing to remember, Another Idol Couple! A duo in life and now in spirit until they meet again...Blessings
Deborah Matsushita
Nick Ashford...one of the most prolific songwriters of this era.
I KNEW WHEN I READ THE ARTICLE ABOUT WHEN NICK AND VAL MET THAT THIS COUPLE WOULD BE. PHENONAMAL.
RIP NICK.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU...
I recall praying so hard for her. Begging for God to be her Comforter. They were always, in my opinion, Black Love personified.
Everyone will die one day"what's all the secret "no pictures
Oh, this is so sad. I had no idea he was gone. This is very tragic, what a huge loss
He and his wife "Ashford $ Simpson "made a handfull of albums which many made the top 10 but they were famous for writing songs for many r&b groups that were tol 10 hits and #1 hits.They were also very famous for a highly regarded and very much in love and faithful husband & wife couple...without them r&b wouldnt have been as soulful as it was and is today...very much loved and appreciated
RIP Nick Ashford...LOVE YOU and ur music and much respect to Valerie...PLease continue your great music
The best singer-songwriter team of the last 70 years.
I just found out today that Nick Ashford passed away RIP. I only heard Nick Ashford sing for the first time a couple of years ago with Michael Mcdonald on a dvd. I love Motown, Its my favourite music. I love the music by artists such as Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye especially, Al Jarreau, Lionel Richie and ofcourse Jackie Wilson.
Nick and Mrs Simpson were great song writer's in their time.They wrote for a lot of great artist and groups I loved Soild As Rock.
i truly loved these two together. not to mention the songs they wrote.
Very gifted performer and song writer!
I saw them in concert they were great
Nick Ashley was a very beautiful handsome elegant man
+Angel Face That's a joke right?
+mookeychase0907 No joke. Why did you ask?
His name was Nick Ashford...
+mookeychase0907 Oh sorry. I was miles away...thank you for correcting me. Have a nice day.
My updated correction...
Nick "Ashford" was a very beautiful handsome elegant man.
No problem you do the same some people do and say things on here to get attention. I thought you were doing that. take care...
One of the greatest duos ever
MET NICK ASHFORD RIP ON A BENCH
74TH STREET BROADWAY NYC HE WAS STRUGGLING HUNGRY THEN ...HE WAS SO KOOL CLASSY GENT EVEN IN HIS HUMILITY....
TRULY LAID BACK..
JB.OK
man they wrote so many hits for everybody they were badd
Sending prayers
Nick Ashford was a beautiful inside and out.Stop the hate!!!!!!!
The industry has lost one of the TRUE icons in music and friend. R.I.P. Mr. Ashford. My prayers go out to Ms. Simpson and the family. Thanks for sharing HIM with us! God Bless!
He always had a nice smile.
RIP Nick Ashford!!! My prayers go out to the family and in particularly Valerie Simpson his wife:)
He will be missed by his fans!!
He will always be alive in my heart
RIP Ashford..I listened to his music growing up
God's Strength and blessing to you Varlerie in the loss of your husband and ur
daughters father. Stay Strong the lord is with You. Sleep In Heavenly Peace~~
Nick you will never be forgotten u left timeless music. God BLESS U. ON YOUT
journey 2 the other side of Glory.
I Love Ashford and Simpson so much they wher the one's who taught me and my Husband about real love 😍😇💑❤💘❤❣
I had no idea until I did my research how many songs he wrote
REST PEACEFULLY MY BROTHER.
He was just too fine !
Nick Ashford RIP. I love Ashford and Simpson. They were so talented and beautiful as a couple. They are legendary.
Thank you. Rip brother.
WE WILL SING YOUR SONGS FOR ETERNITY,.......REST NOW !!
I'm a long time Nick and Val fan. We never met but we were very close.
RIP Nick Ashford.
wow he wrote a lot of songs!
I was hoping to see if Diana Ross had comments or participated in the ceremonies... I hope so or maybe she paid her respects quietly.
They all did a wonderful reworking of her first solo #1 song /opus
Ain't No Mountain High Enough ... all 6 minutes 17 seconds of it wonderful
Rest In Peace Nick Ashford
My God I wan't Aware That, The Last Great Master Passed Away, I'm shocked & shivering, Thank You "Sir" for feeding us with great Music when we were Hungry, for Giving us Direction, believing there's light after Darkness through your Wonderful Lyrical Genius, God Bless the Family especially Valerie Simpson, Stay strong Sister, it's hard, but the Sun's gonna shine again. Much Love.
I've ALWAYS LOVVVVVVED HYS SWAGGGGGGG 💋💋❤️❤️💙💙💙💙💙💙
Sorry Valarie for your great lost & the music worlds great lost] you two together were the top Duet by a loooooong shot!!!!! , no other Duet even came close ] thank you for your long years beautiful music] Nick Ashford was the joint] Peace
Nick Ashford, excellent lyricist... "....and they swear on the bible it's truth and know it's a lie... (Rough Times)." First concert I attended was their "Send It" tour. Though I loved Valerie' voice since "Silly Wasn't I." Great songwriters and performers, they are!
I love you, Nick and Valerie
Well no way! I had no idea he had died! They were apart of my club night days way back. I have their music on my ipod! I was looking through the songs of yesteryear and happened to cross paths with this story. No way! Well, i am sad to learn this. Well, R.I.P. Nick.
May the 4th be with you. RlP. Thanks for the memories.
Tanta emozione! fantastici
RIP Mr. Ashford
Rip Nick Beautiful
damn, where have i been? I didn't know Nick Ashford died.
OH man ! All the singers I grew up listening to is just about gone! :(
He is greatly miss
2020 UPDATE: I'd never actually read the comments here until today. In a few months (it's now May 2020) we'll be remembering the 9th Anniversary of his death. Please note that Nick Ashford and Valerie transcend race, socioeconomic class and are loved by - and love - all. The purpose of the video wasn't intended to be "public" so to speak. BlackPressRadio is the nation's first online Black radio station but I knew him and his wife. They were wonderful to me and I enjoyed going to Sugar Bar after red carpet events or if I had time on Thursday nights. I had an obligation to capture the situation as it was happening for the 250+ Black owned newspapers and magazines that depend on us to provide photos, videos and context. I also didn't know who everyone was so I decided it'd be best to just film everything and figure it out later. People wanted to see the funeral coverage as it happened so that's what you see. Karl Krutchfield is one of the most dynamic Black photographers in the country. Not being about to be inside to capture was a blow to some media. Personally, I didn't want to go in because I chose to remember him as I remembered him. There was quite a lot of confusion and some real tension outside the funeral so that had to be captured as well. This was before the days of having an arena for a funeral. If he'd died in 2020, Madison Square Garden would have likely been a place to have a public memorial because as you all pointed out so well, he was - and will forever be - loved by so many. This video is our most watched video every single day. Several times a month people find out that he's passed away from this video so we've left it up in tribute. I didn't realize it had 600,000+ views but I'm happy because he was such an amazing man, husband and musician. I've also covered Heavy D's funeral and others. For a while, I felt like a Celebrity Funeral reporter.....NOT A FUN assignment but every moment of the person's life - and death - matters to me. I try my best to cover these extremely sensitive moments with dignity. You can visit BlackPressRadio.net to see our other work or UA-cam.com/BlackPress to see other things. I hope you all enjoy because Nick and Valerie Simpson were SOLID AS A ROCK! Must respect - DC Livers, Editor BlackPressRadio
HE IS AN WAS A BEAUTIFUL MAN
I must have been under a rock. I had no idea he was dead either.
Me too, I'm just finding out.
wildwoman17 i loved thier music rip in peace nick ashford
❤️
How are you doing Paula ?
Yoh! I love this couple I just hope their public love passion in music was for a real couple otherwise it will be unfair to their partners. Because they would have been a true example of true Love... I loved the golden voice of Ashford...You will surely be missed!!!
Love you Nick.
My wife always had a crush on Nick LOL its cool Im not intimidated
I had a crush on his wife
r.i.p. nick 😢😢😢😢😢
Wow, I didn't know he passed either.. RIP my friend..
POWERFUL 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈AMAZING ASHFORD REST ⚘● BROWN FAMILY DAPHNE COTTON 💜
fabulous talent,there work for diana ross is just incredible.
I loved these 2
Incredible!
May he R.I.P!!!
Bad taste, to have people milling around making dumb comments. Respect the man and the family that and needing privacy at that time. Damn...
Shut up cynthia nobody is being disrespectful you way out there your not even family girl bye
And being interviewed by people that didn't even know their work. A mess.
Yeah
How are you doing Cynthia ?
Rip solid as a rock 🎼❤️☮️
Yes he will beautiful person jay z and bey yall cane never be this was the art of soul and heart not a peep show
Yeah
Hello Janet, how are you doing ?
Max RESPECT 🌹💛💚
Nile Rodgers walks by at1:18
Yes! Nile Rogers: 1:20
sure do miss Nick. I kinda wish Valerie would consider making some more music with her brother Ray.....he sounds a bit like Nick.
RIP NICK X
AWW WOW I DIDNT KNOW R.I.P
Hey wait just a minute, Nick Ashford loved whites, hispanics, native american indians, & yes us italians. My family did get over here until the ealry 1900's. I am 50% italian. My point is, stop making things a "racial thing". In the eyes of God, for you believers of God, we are only one race & color to him. That is all that matters. I am not being mean, nor hateful when I say this, but it's true. I am sick and tired of all this racism. God didn't want it this way. Nick loved everyone!
They wrote a lot of Motown songs, mainly for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
My favorite song is I'll take the whole world on
NICK TRUE ROLE MODEL FOR YOUTH OF THE FEATURE RIP ☝🏽✝️🛐GOD BE WITH U🌈
wow what's wrong with you people i love Ashford and Simpson's music and u people are talking about garbage i don't know about there personal life wasnt part of it but im so glad they shared there love of music with me R.I.P Mr Ashford
what's crazy my favorite Ashford and Simpson song is one with no lyrics. Bourgie Bourgie
Foda, quando descubro uma banda ou cantor ele já morreu, descanse em Paz.
Ashford and Simpson is one of my all time favorites and forever will be, but that funeral was distasteful in my opinion,,, it started off disrespectful and ended distasteful in such a transparent way, they made sure they were seen by the camera,, they all asked before hand if they would be there..RIP Brother!!!smh...
Angela Nickelberry I agree, why are they being camera hogs at a funeral!!
How in the hell are you outside his funeral, but dont know one of their major hits? I swear this new generation of entitled idiots. I hate when reporters and such just show up to celebrity funerals just to gawk and get hits on their personal sites. You're not covering a story, ur just there.
You've got that Right!! She doesn't even know who Half the Stars entering the Funeral are!
Berine mac and cheese. Guess who. Shown berine mac the same show
I didn't even know he died. RIP
I didn't know Nick died,,wow RIP
what was the cause of his death!
@sylvester01ful Excuse me, wow you sound ignorant, she does not have to sneak in. She had a close relationship with Valerie and Nick, they wrote most of the songs, that made her who she is today! She would most definitely be at his funeral!
RIP Nick By Way Of Loves Express.
Ashford and Simpson would write one of Slyvester's greatest classic club songs, "Over and Over. look for it on youtube, if you love dancing.
diane ross doesn't do funerals since the Florence Ballard funeral which turned into a media circus when she arrived.
You tell so many made up lies .... Diana Ross was at Princess Diana's Funeral Publicly and Also Arne Naess' -- and she went to the private service for Michael Jackson! STOP F******ing Lying on this woman -- you don't know shit you are slow
Amen to that
Why is someone using the word "STAR STUDDED" who cares bout some "so called stars" it"s
all bout Nick's funeral not no dam STARS!!!!
Clearly you don't understand that way that Black funerals are covered but thanks for watching
alix loves this song age 10 birthday august the 20th aswell
I´m a white guy that was 20 years old in 1978. I so much liked
A&S. Were there only black people attending Nickolas Ashford funeral?
It surely looks like that in this video. Luckily I saw Nile Rodgers passing by.
I live in Europe. I would have gone there too if I would had known.
Prayers that he gave 🙏 his life to christ Jesus 🙏