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Fantastic Mike. Big thanks for the heads up on these gems.

Excellent find Mike

I first met Mrs Edwards back in 1978 , when I visited 2648 WGB ( long before it became TMM ) . We hit it off straight away , for she was amused by this " English Boy " who kept asking her questions about the early days of Motown , and artists she had long forgotten about . Down through the years following that first visit , we became good friends via the mediums of letters , Christmas cards , phone calls and if I was in Detroit , a meet up with her . She always found it strange that I would not call her Esther , and when told why , I said it would not be " respectful " . On the wall above my desk , is a frame containing a photograph taken in 1980 , of Mrs Edwards , myself and Lady B , with a piece of Motown stationary bearing the handwritten message of " With love and thanks for visiting us in Detroit , Esther " . I will miss you : RIP Dear Lady . Malc

RIP

A private memorial service for Nick Ashford has now been rescheduled for Monday but may be postponed again due to the hurricane. A mutual friend told me that Valerie is obviously devastated by Nick's death but is getting a lot of support from her friends. And it was Valerie's birthday yesterday.

RIP Esther Gordy

Sad news.

Very Sad Loss Indeed and Mr Leiber a Sad Week Will be on the Decks tonight

I echo everything thats been said already, sad news indeed. RIP and thanx for the tunes sir

Very sad news, not only are Nick & Valerie great song writers, they are great singers as well, R.I.P. Nick Ashford, my mate Glenn Hunter will be bothering you for an autograph, cheers Jim.

What a sad week for music. First Jerry Leiber, now Nick Ashford. He and Valerie wrote some of the best songs of all time. And by all accounts, he was a lovely man, which isn't always the case with such great talent . Their daughter Asia just tweeted a picture of the plaque on the NYC bench where Nick slept when he first arrived and was homeless, which made me shed a few tears. Condolences to Valerie, his daughters, family and friends. So thankful that we will always have his music. RIP Wendy xx

Sad to hear about Nick Ashford. Ashford & Simpson were great composers, very innovative (at the time) with their beautiful and intricate melodies.

Hello, These are remasters of the original mono mixdowns, with enhanced tones and harmonics etc. so they sound more dynamic and punchy - and probably a bit louder too.

Very sad news. The words legend and genius are used a lot and usually for the wrong people, but Nick Ashford was a songwriting genius and a true legend. Without him soul music would have been/will be a lot poorer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_P9gmpk3iI

The man's talent will be sadly missed by us all in our world. His contribution was enormous in his writing and co-writing abilities. The guy pretty much stands head and shoulder's above all with his prolific output of consistantly amazing tunes he was involved in. People with talent like this are just not around anymore. A huge loss to not just us but the world. Sleep well Nick. Eddie

One of the greatest of the great ! How many incredible and beautiful songs he and Valerie wrote that brought nothing but joy to millions of people. The music will Live On forever Nick !!!!

A brilliant writer who will be missed.

What sad news. Ashford and Simpson-a soundtrack to my life...RIP Nick Ashford.

Nick Ashford of Ashford and Simpson were such a massive influence on me when collecting Black Music in the 60s & 70s. 'It Seems To Hang On' - pure class! R.I.P and condolences to his family and friends Dr Bob Jones

another great. rest inpeace nick youre a star

It really has come as a shock as I had no idea he was ill, both his solo and co written output produced some of the greatest soul music ever, sadly missed, RIP Nick

Hello Macca, Yes, the flip side "Mister Hip" is a dynamic funk track which has been overlooked - until now. Detroit Soul had seven members with a horn section and a Hammond B3 organ. They had a powerful sound and I only wish they'd made more records. One member is deceased but the other six are thrilled with the renewed interest - especially having "All Of My Life" featured in two movies so far. Best wishes, Paul

One of my all time fav tunes.....please dont let HIT get hammered..... Ironic it was classed as a underplayed tune............... Theres so many more...................

Fantastic night put on by Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn and Eddie Floyd plus the rest of the band. Cropper at 70 was just absolutely amazing and I for one had a great night out at the Venu! Well done to Rob Bailey for putting this one mate!