Valerie Simpson -of the iconic singer/songwriting duo, Ashford & Simpson- comes from a very musical family. We already know that she and her late husband, Nickolas Ashford, could create an R&B soul hit song, like no other! But little did most of us, Ashford & Simpson fans, know, Valerie also has a brother who is a popular singer.

Before we get into who her brother is, we wanna first commend this “Is It Still Good To You” singer for hangin’ in there ever since the passing of her better half, Nick Ashford, in August of 2011.

After Nick’s death, Valerie has continued to keep the legacy, she and her hubby built, alive. She released a solo album in 2012, titled Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again. She was featured on the title track for the neo-soul duo, Kindred and the Family Soul’s, 2014 album, A Couple Friends (see video below). And as of today, ‘Mrs. Ashford’ still performs the classic jams that she and Nick ashford penned years ago on the regular.

In recent years, Valerie has not only fed the souls of her fans with great music, but she’s also fed the bellies of folks with some country style soul food at her NY restaurant, Sugar Bar, which she and Nick opened up in 1996. It’s been a hot spot for everyone from Stevie Wonder, to Freddie Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy and a bunch of other celebs.

MEET VALERIE SIMPSON’S SINGING BROTHER

Valerie Simpson’s brother’s name is Ray Simpson and he’s the current lead singer of the legendary 70’s/80’s group, The Village People. But the talented sibling syndrome doesn’t stop here for Valerie, her other brother, Jimmy Simpson, is a successful music producer who produced the soul group GQ, best known for hits like Disco Nights (Rock-Freak) and I Do Love You.

Here are some pics of her brother, Ray…

This explains why Valerie is so good at what she does. She was surrounded by talent all of her life. You go Valerie!

Ray Simpson and the rest of the Village People still pack houses to this very day and they perform regularly.

Check out video of Ray Simpson performing with The Village People…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvIerD7H7Ok

Nick Ashford was a remarkable talent and it’s sad that his life was cut so short, but it’s beautiful to see Valerie continuing to spread what she and Nick built together. We wish the Valerie much continued success.

The post Brother Of Valerie Simpson (Of Ashford & Simpson) Is A Legendary Singer Too appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Valerie Simpson -of the iconic singer/songwriting duo, Ashford & Simpson- comes from a very musical family. We already know that she and her late husband, Nickolas Ashford, could create an R&B soul hit song, like no other! But little did most of us, Ashford & Simpson fans, know, Valerie also has a brother who is a popular singer. 

Before we get into who her brother is, we wanna first commend this “Is It Still Good To You” singer for hangin’ in there ever since the passing of her better half, Nick Ashford, in August of 2011.

After Nick’s death, Valerie has continued to keep the legacy, she and her hubby built, alive. She released a solo album in 2012, titled Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again. She was featured on the title track for the neo-soul duo, Kindred and the Family Soul’s, 2014 album, A Couple Friends (see video below). And as of today, ‘Mrs. Ashford’ still performs the classic jams that she and Nick ashford penned years ago on the regular.

In recent years, Valerie has not only fed the souls of her fans with great music, but she’s also fed the bellies of folks with some country style soul food at her NY restaurant, Sugar Bar, which she and Nick opened up in 1996. It’s been a hot spot for everyone from Stevie Wonder, to Freddie Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy and a bunch of other celebs.

NOW SEE WHO VALERIE SIMPSON’S SINGING BROTHER IS>>>

The post Fans Never Knew The Brother of Ashford & Simpson’s Valerie Is A Singer In The Village People appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Diana Ross’ version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is just as memorable as Marvin Gaye’s. However, it almost didn’t happen. Can you believe that??

Ross’ version of the song was a bit lengthy. However, that didn’t matter due to her execution. It was majestic. Calm. Amazing.

Yet, Berry Gordy allegedly didn’t like it…

In a recent interview with Songwriter Universe, Valerie Simpson — of Ashford & Simpson — tells how Diana Ross‘ remake nearly fell through the cracks and was lost forever.

During the interview, Dale Kawashima asked Simpson if it was her idea to collab with the legendary songstress.

“Yes,” Valerie responded. “It had a lot to do with the times. People weren’t doing 3-minute songs anymore. Isaac Hayes (and other artists) had 7-minute songs. So we wanted to test that theory a little bit.”

But Here’s Where It Almost Didn’t Happen>>>

The post Diana Ross: ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ Almost Didn’t Happen appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Ashford & Simpson provided us with some of the greatest music of our generation. Now, Valerie reflects on her love for late-husband Nickolas in a recent interview.

According to Songwriter Universe, Valerie Simpson took part in an interview months ago which detailed intricate parts of her and Nickolas Ashford’s life together.

The interviewer, Dale Kawashima, asked all the right questions. And fortunately for us Old Schoolers, Valerie had no issue opening up.

And in case you’ve forgotten…

“Ashford & Simpson ranks with some of the great writing teams in pop music history, and they were major contributors to the hit success of Motown Records,” according to the source. “In the late 1960s, they wrote several duet classics for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, including ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,’ ‘Your Precious Love,’ ‘Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing’ and ‘You’re All I Need To Get By.’”

So, How Did Valerie Meet Nickolas?>>>

The post Ashford & Simpson: Valerie Lovingly Recalls First Meeting Her Late Husband — New In-Depth Interview appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

As y’all already know, Ashford & Simpson, graced us with some bangers throughout the years, including their hits, “Solid as a Rock, “Is It Still Good To You,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and more. They also wrote countless multiplatinum selling hits for other artists, such as Chaka Khan’s “Im Every Woman,” Marvin Gaye’s and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need To Get By,” and many more.

Valerie Simpson’s New Career

This month (March 2018), Valerie entered into a new profession- as a Broadway actress in the hit stage play, “Chicago Musical,” where she’s playing the role of “Mama Morton.” Her family and friends -including the legendary singer, Freddie Jackson- showed up to supported her Broadway debut…

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgRaIzzBsIX/

Kandi Makes Way For The “Solid” Legend

Not only did Simpson’s new gig surprise many of her fans, who mainly know her as an R&B music legend, but when they learned she was actually replacing a popular singer/reality star who’s 3 decades younger, they were also impressed.

Xscape singer/”Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, Kandi Burruss, starred in the stage play for a minute as “Mama Morton,” just before handing that title to the queen herself, Valerie Simpson.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgFhzr7Hm3l/

In fact, as Kandi was performing her last shows with “Chicago Musical,” she posted the above photo of her and Valerie on Instagram. The legend went to watch Kandi and the rest of the cast in action, just before it was her time to take center stage.

The reason many are impressed by Valerie’s new venture, is because not only is she still making new strides in her career at 71, she’s also coming behind a quote-unquote “current” star, Kandi. Granted, Kandi Burruss’ musical accomplishments doesn’t come close to that of Valerie Simpson’s, who helped pave the way for artists, like Kandi, to follow. However, the pressure was on for Valerie’s Broadway debut, because in today’s entertainment/social media climate, Kandi is a big crowd drawer and therefore, tough act to come behind. Regardless of that fact though, word on the Old School curb is that Valerie Simpson stepped onto that “Chicago Musical” Broadway stage and set it OFF!

“Set It Off Actor” Is Her Co-Star

Speaking of “Set It Off,” guess who Simpson’s new “Chicago Musical” co-star is? None other than “Set It Off” actor, Chaz Lamar. Remember him? You may not recall Chaz’s real name, but if you’ve seen that classic 90’s film, you definitely remember his face. Who could forget, the cat who played “Stony’s” (Jada Pinkett-Smith) lil’ brother that had all of us tearing up when a trigger-happy cop shot him outside that apartment complex?

Well, unbeknownst to many, the brotha can not only act, but he can sing, which is why he was able to land the role in a classic musical, like “Chicago Musical.”

As we reported a while back, here’s what else Chaz has been up to since many of us last saw him in “Set It Off”:
Chaz Lamar (also known as Chaz Shepherd) is a professional R&B singer. Who knew, right? This dude doesn’t just sing, he SANGS. FYI: that’s not a typo…he really is a SANGIN’ somebody! Chaz performs regularly and he once released an album titled, “Love & Truth.” He’s also performed in other Broadway productions, including “The Color Purple” and the musical, “Dreamgirls.” Check out his music videos and performances below…

And since we’re on the subject of music videos, y’all know we canNOT end this article, without throwing back to some Ashford & Simpson classics, just for nostalgia’s sake. Reminisce with us ILoveOldSChoolMusic fam’…

It’s a beautiful thing to see Valerie Simpson continuing to let her light shine and displaying her many talents to the world. We wish her and Chaz much success in their new chapter together as co-stars in “Chicago Musical.”

The post Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson) Replaces Kandi Burruss In New Career Fans Didn’t Expect appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Valerie Simpson of the iconic singer/songwriting duo, Ashford & Simpson, comes from a very musical family. We already know that she and her late husband, Nickolas Ashford could create an R&B soul hit song, like no other! But little did most of us, Ashford & Simpson fans, know, Valerie also has a brother who is a popular singer. 

Before we get into who her brother is, we wanna first commend this “Is It Still Good To You” singer for hangin’ in there ever since the passing of her better half, Nick Ashford in August of 2011.

After Nick’s death, Valerie has continued to keep the legacy, she and her hubby built, alive. She released a solo album in 2012, titled Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again. She was featured on the title track for the neo-soul duo, Kindred and the Family Soul’s, 2014 album, A Couple Friends (see video below). And as of today (2017), ‘Mrs. Ashford’ still performs the classic jams that she and Nick ashford penned years ago on the regular.

Valerie is also continuing to not only feed the souls of her fans with great music, but also feed the bellies of folks with some country style soul food at her NY restaurant, Sugar Bar, which she and Nick opened up in 1996. It’s been a hot spot for everyone from Stevie Wonder, to Freddie Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy and a bunch of other celebs.

NOW SEE WHO VALERIE SIMPSON’S SINGING BROTHER IS>>>

The post OMG! Many Never Knew Valerie (of Ashford&Simpson) Has A FAMOUS SINGER BROTHER appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

As y’all already know, Ashford & Simpson, graced us with some bangers throughout the years, including their hits, “Solid as a Rock,” “Is It Still Good To You,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and more. Valerie Simpson and her late husband, Nick Ashford, also wrote countless multiplatinum selling hits for other artists, such as Chaka Khan’s “Im Every Woman,” Marvin Gaye’s and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need To Get By,” and many more. What many fans never knew though, is that Valerie comes from a very musical family, and even more shocking is that her that her brother is also a famous singer from the 70’s and 80’s eras.

Meet Valerie Simpson’s Brother

Meet Valerie’s brother, Ray Simpson. You may not know his face at first glance, but you’re probably very familiar with his and his group members’ legacy. He’s the lead singer of The Village People. Yep, as in the “YMCA” singers.

But the talented sibling syndrome doesn’t stop here for Valerie, her other brother, Jimmy Simpson, is a successful music producer who produced the soul group GQ, best known for hits like Disco Nights (Rock-Freak) and I Do Love You. Who knew right?

This helps explain why Valerie is so good at what she does. In addition to her tremendous love for music and her dedication to her craft, she was surrounded by talent all of her life, as well.

Ray Simpson and the rest of the Village People still pack houses to this very day and they perform regularly. Check out video of Ray Simpson performing with the Village People below…

https://youtu.be/kTYEOAX3sjM?t=13s

What Valerie Simpson Is Doing Now

Valerie Simpson, has been hangin’ in there ever since the passing of her better half, Nick Ashford. In March 2018, Valerie entered into a new profession- as a Broadway actress in the hit stage play, “Chicago Musical,” where she’s playing the role of “Mama Morton.” Her family and friends -including the legendary singer, Freddie Jackson- showed up to supported her Broadway debut…

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgRaIzzBsIX/

She also released a solo album in 2012, titled Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again, and she was featured on the title track for the neo-soul duo, Kindred and the Family Soul’s, 2014 album, A Couple Friends. See the video here…

Valerie is also continuing to not only feed the souls of her fans with great music, but also feed the bellies of folks with some country style soul food at her NY restaurant, Sugar Bar, which she and Nick opened up in 1996. It’s been a hot spot for everyone from Stevie Wonder, to Freddie Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy and a bunch of other celebs.

Nick Ashford was a remarkable talent and it’s sad that his life was cut so short, but it’s beautiful to see Valerie continuing to spread what she and Nick built together. We wish Valerie and her brother Ray Simpson much continued success.

The post Valerie (of Ashford & Simpson) Has A Famous Singer Brother & Fans Surprised By Who He Is appeared first on I Love Old School Music.