Oh fuck...R.I.P. Nick Ashford and Jerry Leiber

Nick Ashford obit.

Jerry Leiber obit.

Great appreciation from Melinda Newman.

Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff on the passing of Nick Ashford:

Philadelphia, PA – “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.”

Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff on the passing of Jerry Leiber:

From Leon Huff:

“Jerry Lieber was a great inspiration and was vital to the start of my songwriting career. I also had the fortunate opportunity to play piano on many Leiber & Stoller recording sessions as a musician in the early days. When I had dreams of being a producer, I met Leiber & Stoller in the Brill Building when they called me to play on ‘Boy From New York City.’ I was so nervous, but when I started grooving, that's when I really settled down, because Jerry and Mike cut some really groovy records.  That was a great time for me as a studio musician. I’ll never forget Leiber & Stoller because they helped me get the knack of the studios. Jerry will be missed".

From Kenneth Gamble:

“I admire him as one of the great songwriters of our time. All of his songs – from Elvis Presley and the Coasters straight through to Smokey Joe’s Café – were a testament to his stature. As a songwriting team, when you work together so long and one of you passes, the partner loses a person with a truly special connection. We send our condolences to Michael Stoller, their families and their friends.”

Farewell.

This sucks. We are losing too many invaluable soul people.