Motown Great, Nick Ashford (1942-2011)

The sad news reached my ears this morning.  Nick Ashford has lost his battle with throat cancer and died in a New York City hospital.  He was 69.

He was born in South Carolina and migrated to New York where he met his wife, Valerie Simpson.  The duo of Ashford & Simpson went on to make a great mark among Motown artists.  During their career, 36 of their singles charted, the first in 1964 being credited simply to “Valerie & Nick.”  Their best known hit was probably Solid, released in 1984.

This would be great career for any musical artist, but there is more.  As well-known as they were, they were probably better known for the great hit songs they wrote for other artists.  These greats include Ain’t no Mountain High Enough, recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (later by Diana Ross) and I’m Every Woman by Chaka Kahn, to name a couple.  Other great names they have written for include Ray Charles, Amy Winehouse, the 5^th Dimension, Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass and Smokey Robinson, to name but a  few.

Ashford & Simpson were also owners of Sugar Bar in New York City.  This restaurant featured new, up and coming, talent.  In 2007, they accompanied Oprah Winfrey to South Africa for the opening of her Leadership Academy for Girls.

Nick Ashford is survived by his wife Valerie Simpson, their daughters Nicole and Asia, and two brothers of significance in the music industry.  His brother, Ray, sang with the Village People and his brother, Jimmy, was producer for the group, GQ.

During my show tomorrow, I’ll pay tribute to this Motown great with the following Mini Set…

Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1968)

I’m Every Woman, Chaka Kahn (1978)

Solid, Ashrford & Simpson (1984)

Tears Dry on Their Own, Amy Winehouse (2006)

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Diana Ross (1970)

Jani Lane of Warrant (1964 - 2011)

The Music World is saddened today to learn about the death of Jani Lane.  He achieved fame in the late 1980s as the lead singer for the glam metal band, Warrant.  Lane was found dead in his hotel room in Los Angeles this morning and no cause of death has been released.

Lane, a native of Ohio, started as a drummer at a young age.  By age 11, he was already playing live gigs in clubs.  He was a talented athlete and excelled as a football quarterback.  He actually turned several college football scholarships to pursue his musical career.

Warrant was formed in Los Angeles in 1984.  It wasn’t until two years later that Jani Lane joined as lead vocalist, replacing Adam Shore.  They became very successful in the club scene in the L.A. area.  In 1988, they signed with Columbia records and their first album, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, was released later that year.  The album produced three top 40 hits, Heaven, Down Boys and Sometimes She Cries.  Jani Lane wrote every song on that stellar debut album, still considered a staple among glam metal fans.

During the 1990s, Warrant had success but also hit some bumps.  In 1992 Lane actually left the band for a period but returned.  In 1994, Lane left Warrant one more time and, except for a couple reunion shows in 2008, would not be a part of Warrant again.

Today I will pay tribute to Jani Lane during my set.  I will play the following 4 songs; all sung by Lane and, except for We Will Rock You, all written by Lane.

Cherry Pie, 1990

Heaven, 1988
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 1990
We Will Rock You, 1992