Nick Ashford was an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his role in the R&B duo Ashford & Simpson. Along with his wife, Valerie Simpson, Ashford crafted a distinctive soulful sound that became a staple of 1970s and 1980s R&B music. They're best known for penning hits for other artists like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need To Get By" for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Ashford's significant contributions to music have had a lasting impact, especially within the Motown genre.