Nick Ashford's star-studded funeral in Harlem, NY captured by BlackPress.org

(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.

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Music

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• ashford and simpson
• blackpress
• DC Livers
• Roberta Flack
• Maya Angelou

[musomat1980]

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.

[InfinityNebula]

Valerie Simpson appears to be in that satanic clique owned by zionist that killed her husband

Definately a coward who refuses to speak out and she actually defended Clive Davis on CNN who was responsible for Whitney's death VaLerie is a WITCH

[InfinityNebula]

@BIGFUNonSIRIUS Another zionist jew faggot doing damage control you jews are taking out all black celebrities you demonic troll and you shall burn synagogue of satan

Your time on earth is over zionist watch what happens in a few months

[BIGFUNonSIRIUS]

@InfinityNebula NIGGA ARE YOU SERIOUS?? Nick couldn't just DIE BECAUSE OF NATURAL HUMAN CAUSES???

"YOU NIGGERS MAKE ME SICK!!! BOOGEDY-BOOGEDY NIGGERS!!! BOOGEDY-BOOGEDY!!!"

I hope for your sake you're really joking. SMGDH.

[mabonga1001]

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.

[micljnes]

In my eyes, artists of Ashford's ilk are far far greater than many caucasian artists, because prejudice exists even within music relative to decision makers and the 'so called' general public, and it demonstrates to me yet again, how irrelevant the lives of 'brown skinned' people are to specific other groups of people. I don't know when some of these devils will give credance to what 'all' people do, rather than elevating many who have done absolutely nothing worthy of hogging the limelight. RIP

[InfinityNebula]

Another Blood sacrifice perhaps-Nick possibly broke the oath and was injected by Illuminati

another Black genius killed because he was a threat to the establishment

Peace

[Shewhoiskay]

He said meeting VALARIE was the highlight of his lofe and without her he would not know where hed been then! DESTINY HE AND HIS BELOVED WERE SUPPOSE TO MEET! SOULMATES! I BELIDVE IN, just look at their LIVES TOGETHER, LOVE YOU VALARIE. H was truly a gift of God Almighty s!

[Shewhoiskay]

May Our Father Almighty Watch over all of us. Mr Ashford was very kind to me a nobody, with my friend Who is somebody, after Mr Ashford talked for hours to us, his way of givong back! God bless anyone who takes the time out

[SuperPeaches58]

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!!!!