Valerie Simpson
American singer, songwriter, and producer, Valerie Simpson (born August 26, 1946), most famous as one-half of the legendary duo Ashford & Simpson alongside her husband and partner, the late Nickolas Ashford, she helped define the Motown sound and penned some of the most enduring anthems in soul and R&B history.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Simpson's musical foundation was laid in the church, where she started playing piano by ear at age five. In 1964, she met Nickolas Ashford at the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem. They initially formed a gospel group called the Followers before transitioning into pop songwriting. Their breakthrough came in 1966 when their composition "Let's Go Get Stoned" became a #1 R&B hit for Ray Charles.
Ashford & Simpson joined Motown Records in 1966, where they became primary writers and producers for major artists:
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: They wrote iconic duets including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Your Precious Love," and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing".
Diana Ross: They penned and produced her early solo hits like "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and "The Boss".
Solo Work: During her time at Motown, Simpson released two acclaimed solo albums, Exposed (1971) and Valerie Simpson (1972).
In 1973, seeking more creative control and a career as performers, the couple left Motown, signed with Warner Bros., and officially married in 1974.
Major Hits: As a duo, they achieved global success with songs like "Solid" (1984)—their signature hit—and "Found a Cure" (1979).
Collaborations: They wrote Chaka Khan's anthem "I'm Every Woman" (1978), later famously covered by Whitney Houston.
The duo received the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction (2002), the ASCAP Founders Award (1996), and the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award.
Ashford and Simpson remained married until Ashford's death in 2011; they had two daughters, Nicole and Asia.
As of 2025, Simpson remains an active figure in the music industry, performing tribute concerts, appearing at festivals like Essence, and overseeing projects such as a Broadway musical based on her life and music.
Valerie Simpson
A2 Benjie 2:51
A3 Drink The Wine 3:42
A4 One More Baby Child Born 4:07
A5 Keep It Coming 3:20
B1 I Believe I'm Gonna Take This Ride 2:54
B2 Could Have Been Sweeter 2:09
B3 Silly Wasn't I 2:09
B4 Genius I 4:22
B5 Genius II 3:15
Written-By – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson (tracks: A1 to B2, B4, B5)
Written-By – Joshie Armstead, Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson (track B3)
Label: Tamla – T-317 L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Valerie Simpson's 1972 self-titled album is a highly-regarded soul/funk gem, showcasing her songwriting genius and versatile vocals with a blend of sensual ballads, gospel-infused tracks, and danceable grooves, featuring the acclaimed Funk Brothers and hits like "Drink the Wine," proving her talent beyond Ashford & Simpson hits, despite being overshadowed at the time by her production work and its predecessor, Exposed.
A rich mix of mid-tempo soul, funk, and gospel, with intricate arrangements, strong percussion, and prominent guitar licks. While not Aretha-level powerful, her voice is described as authentically musical and emotive, carrying themes of love and spirituality.
Standout Tracks: "Drink the Wine" (an irresistible, Gladys Knight-esque track), "Sinner Man" (a psychedelic, multi-instrumental number), and "World Without Sunlight" are frequently praised.
Features Motown's legendary Funk Brothers, providing a perfect pulse, with arrangements that hint at her acclaimed work as a songwriter/producer with Nick Ashford.
A significant step in her solo career, demonstrating her own artistic vision, though it was initially overshadowed by her massive success as half of Ashford & Simpson.
In essence, Valerie Simpson (1972) is a beautifully crafted soul record, offering listeners a deep dive into her artistry, filled with timeless music from one of Motown's brightest talents.