Ashford & Simpson's Best of

By Maximillian Muhammad

Songwriters, producers and still married and going stronger into another decade, that's Ashford & Simpson. They've written for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan and Quincy Jones, among many others. But how could they not be successful as a duo, considering they wrote so many great songs, including "Street Corner," "High Rise," "Outta the World," "Count Your Blessings," "I'll be There for You," and the classic, "Solid," which answered that question.

Their vision and work have lasted 3 decades and will continue to last 'cuz this duo has been blessed. They make songs that are timeless and center on issues of the heart. While other duos have been more successful in terms of making bigger names for themselves, very few will create the kinds of songs that will have the impact that Ashford &Simpson's songs have...they are truly national treasures.