Miss Valerie Simpson

If you've ever lip-synced to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)," or twirled to "The Boss" and "I'm Every Woman" -- and, chances are if you're reading this blog, you have -- then you can thank Valerie Simpson (August 26, 1946). Since 1964, homegirl and her husband, Nick Ashford, have been composing sumptuous soul and righteous R&B for everyone from Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, to Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan. Valerie was also an in-demand background vocalist for New York's famed Brill Building during the 1960's, often called upon to lend a touch of soul to a pop recording session.


L-R: VALERIE SIMPSON, JEAN THOMAS, ELLIE GREENWICH & MICKI HARRIS, C. 1965

Nick and Val's brief, yet productive, songwriting tenure at Motown from 1967-1971 yielded a string of classic duets for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell; and they were largely responsible for crafting the early sound of a post-Supremes Diana Ross. Leaving Motown after feeling stifled in their ambitions as performers, Nick and Val became R&B superstars in their own right, alternating gorgeous ballads with anthemic, disco-tinged stompers. "Stay Free," "Is it Still Good to Ya" and "Found a Cure," among many others, are bona fide classics; their biggest hit as performers came in 1984, with the #1 smash, "Solid."


NICK AND VAL, C. 1982

The dynamic duo have continued to record and perform, as well as finding time to open and operate their famed New York eatery, Sugar Bar, which features an open-mike night. Don't tempt us.


NICK & VAL TODAY

Happy Birthday, Valerie Simpson! We're sure your day has been filled with love and song.