Helped write songs for Dianna Ross, Gladys Knight and others
Songwriter Nick Ashford, who penned a string of Motown hits with his wife Valerie Simpson, has died in New York City. Ashford, who was being treated for cancer, was 70 years old. Together, Ashford and Simpson wrote songs including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Every Woman” and “Solid (As a Rock).” The pair performed as a duo, but their best known hits were recorded by singers including Dianna Ross and Gladys Knight.