MUSICAL PASSAGES

NICK ASHFORD

I had the pleasure of being in the company of Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (better known as the R&B singing/songwriting duo “Ashford and Simpson’) on numerous occasions over the years. Today, I have special reason to treasure those times and memories.

Nick Ashford passed away Tuesday, after battling throat cancer.  As a cancer survivor myself, I fully understand the battle he was in and I am heartbroken that it is a battle he did not win.

Ashford and Simpson

Being around Nick was an amazing joy.  Once you got past the fact that this was the genius who wrote “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” for Diana Ross, “You’re All I Need To Get By” for Marvin Gaye, and “I’m Every Woman” for Chaka Kahn, you were able to see him for the incredible human being and distinguished man that he was.  Nick was tall, slender, energetic, handsome, and surprisingly youthful to be 70-years-old.  He was also soft spoken, with a constant smile and a kind word for everyone.  But let’s not underplay the truth: along with his wife Valerie, Nick Ashford was a MUSICAL GIANT who helped shape the entire Motown sound and provided us with a classic sound and memorable lyrics that remain a huge part of music to this day.

Rest in Peace, Nick.  You left an immense and incredible legacy that will forever be cherished.  Job well done.  You will be deeply missed!

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JERRY LEIBER

“You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Poison Ivy,” “Love Potion #9.”  These were just a few of the hits of songwriter Jerry Leiber, who also passed away Tuesday at the age of 78.

What Nick Ashford was to R&B, Jerry Leiber was to Rock and Roll.  Leiber and his writing partner Mike Stoller wrote dozens of bonafide hits for such stars as Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee, Big Mama Thornton and others.  They were both inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.  And in the mid-90’s their music was even celebrated in the Broadway show “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” which continues to play in theaters throughout the world.

Leiber and Stoller

Jerome Leiber was born in 1933 in Baltimore, the son of a widow who ran a grocery store on the edge of the ghetto, who was the only storekeeper in the area to extend credit to blacks. His musical influences were varied from Cole Porter to Irving Berlin.  But it was his upbringing around black culture that helped shape his musical style.

Rest in Peace, Jerry — and thanks for the memories!