Ashford & Simpson: The Songs You Didn’t Know They Wrote

Did you know Ashford & Simpson wrote some of the biggest hits in soul music history? On Valerie Simpson’s 79th birthday, we honor her incredible pen and celebrate the timeless hits they have written.

The Legacy of a Legendary Pen
Tonight on Classix at Nite, we’re honoring Valerie Simpson’s 79th birthday. She and her late husband, Nick Ashford, weren’t just powerhouse performers—they were also the songwriting engine behind some of Motown and R&B’s greatest records. From Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell to Diana Ross and Chaka Khan, their songs carried love, empowerment, and groove through generations.
Here are 10 songs you may not have known were written by Ashford & Simpson—and trust me, you’ll be surprised at just how much of their pen is woven into your favorite playlists.

🎶 10 Songs You Might Not Know Were Written by Ashford & Simpson
“I’m Every Woman” – Chaka Khan (1978)
An anthem of empowerment later reimagined by Whitney Houston—straight from Valerie & Nick’s pen.
“The Boss” – Diana Ross (1979)
Disco soul perfection that still lights up dancefloors today.
“Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” – Diana Ross (1970)
Diana’s very first solo single, written to feel like a prayer for unity and hope.
“Remember Me” – Diana Ross (1970)
A confident goodbye track that showed Diana’s power outside The Supremes.
“Didn’t You Know (You’d Have to Cry Sometime)” – Gladys Knight & The Pips (1970)
A soulful hidden gem from the early Motown era.
“Let’s Go Get Stoned” – Ray Charles (1966)
One of Ashford & Simpson’s earliest hits as writers—this one gave Ray a #1 R&B smash.
“California Soul” – The 5th Dimension / Marlena Shaw (1968/1969)
A jazzy, funky groove that became a cult favorite decades later.
“Your Precious Love” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)
Another one of their unforgettable duets, pure love and chemistry in song form.
“Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1968)
A duet classic that’s still a wedding favorite to this day.
“Stuff Like That” – Quincy Jones feat. Ashford & Simpson, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross (1978)
A funky, all-star collaboration that blended jazz, soul, and dance in perfect harmony.

https://youtu.be/1HnnWhANLjk?si=wCjs-hyc_TmRK0sY

Closing

Valerie Simpson and Nick Ashford weren’t just artists—they were storytellers whose lyrics still speak to us decades later. As we celebrate Valerie’s 79th birthday, we remember the songs, the love, and the legacy that will always be solid as a rock.