Ashford & Simpson (Live) The Boss

Nick Ashford's songs are ingrained in American culture.
Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, were a husband and wife songwriting/production team and recording artists.They started their career in the mid-1960s.
Ashford was married to his songwriting partner, Valerie Simpson, for over 30 years.

[@TahariBlue]

Valarie Simpson is the BOSS!, she ate this song, and this is live and she's moving around dancing and still belting them notes out to perfection!! ...Valarie is the BOSS!

[@paulasuniverse5029]

Valerie Simpson is a fabulous singer beyond her obvious great songwriting and musicianship.🎤🎶🎹 and still classy, gorgeous, and sexy.

[@toshirariojas3959]

The song is great.

[@TheLanard]

I LOVE how flamboyant Nick was. It made him stand out from the other male singers of that time. He had so much style and love for the music he and Val wrote. There will never be another Nick Ashford. God bless him and Valerie.

[@flagcoco69]

One of the greatest songwriting teams in pop music history. At a time when Motown was cranking out hits written by Smokey Robinson, Holland-Dozier-Holland and Norman Whitfield, Ashford and Simpson were finding their own niche. Diana Ross doesn't become a megastar without them.

[@brianwoods9741]

Well one thing is sure this dynamic duo worked on Diana''s songs like like a fur lined glove fits on a woman's hand during the cold winter days..they knew how to tap into and bring out what was already in Diana .

[@ElsaLF]

​@@brianwoods9741Bueno y según yo pienso.Para hacer un traje a medida se necesita unos verdaderos artesanos en costuras.Si no quieres eso puedes usar las telas en tu cabeza y vestirte sólo atado con cuerdas🤣.Espero esto si lo comprendas✌🏼

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

The hardest working songwriting married couple ever!!!!!!!!! 👍🏾💥👍🏾💥👍🏾💥

[@annehamilton2532]

Real Music, Real Legends and Real Entertainers...Keep on continuing to sing in Heaven...Mr. Nick Ashford and continue to stay strong Ms. Valerie Simpson, continuous blessings to you and your beautiful family ❤❤❤❤

[@derrickcrawford3134]

The greatest songwriters in the history of r&b music. Baby face is a close second.

[@glennfromthebronx]

Hmmmm....how do you rate Holland-Dozier and Holland?

[@josephmcknight8839]

What about Smokey, Stevie and Marvin?

[@bunjicarlin1]

@@glennfromthebronx forgive them lord for they know not!!!

[@glennfromthebronx]

@@bunjicarlin1 lmao

[@blossomhicks4288]

This is my all time singer's ever!;; Mine I love them!!!

[@bcancun123]

Pure Talent love these 2 amazing performers RIP Nick Ashford

[@karimbennett5651]

Damn! These two really loved each other. No wonder they had such a long, productive, INSTRUCTIVE, and inspirational career and life together. Love based on creativity and mutual vision is beautiful.

[@davidjohn6070]

Karim Bennett It's because they had the same agenda in life. Being on the same page makes a difference.

[@lionessheart2652]

Karim Bennett “love based on creativity and mutual vision”....that’s the dream

[@deantailor357]

Solid as a rock.

[@MrWgriffin325]

I can't stop watching this video. True song writers & great performers. One of the best live performances ever!!

[@bcancun123]

i watch atleast once a week lol

[@leeannvdb]

And lets never forget to mention that they are one of the few couples who made it and stayed together till death they did part! Loved them when I was 11yrs old, n still now at 43, SOUTH AFRICA,DURBAN -ONE LOVE

[@delroybrower3958]

Lee-Ann Van Der Byl Not many celebreties in the entertainment business manage to stay married .

[@glennfromthebronx]

....A+S owned Manhattan's SUGAR BAR///on W 72nd Street together...and I'd often see them walking near their home in Harlem...@Marcus Garvey Park...@124th St. and 5th Avenue. Rest in Peace, Nick!

[@blossomhicks4288]

Preach preacher!!!

[@bcancun123]

Drummer is slaying it!!

[@CarlstenProductions]

I had only heard the Diana Ross cut of this one! But hot damn, Ashford & Simpson outdone her baaaad!!!

[@migsmog]

Thank you Ashford & Simpson & Lady Di.

[@paulm2420]

SO BOSS! one of the best songwriting teams of all time

[@helengrigsby4838]

Yesssss. Love them. Rest in Heavenly Paradise Mr. Nicholas Asford.

[@jamesphifer3847]

Last time I saw them was at the Birchmere in Va. The show was 🔥. What an experience...so much energy. RIP NIC. You and Val made so many people happy. What a legacy.

[@esseinatu665]

It was very nice to hear Valerie talk to Oprah about Nick's ability to produce lyrics. Great song writing duo.

[@davidgroove]

One of the best live performances of all time. F-A-C-T.

[@555calex]

Let second that and this was recorded live on a two album set...

[@elizabethmohapi1265]

Absolutely!! Their on stage chemistry is a marvel to watch. 👌🏼❤️

[@sixnine365]

Miss that brother Nick Ashford, a musical icon! RIP. I had to hear this to find out that Ashford and Simpson wrote this song after years of listening to Diana Ross' version. Sigh!

[@Joey10036]

They are a match made in marriage and music heaven. Sad that Nick is no longer around.

[@davidjohn6070]

Interesting there are 114k views, and only 940 likes. Why anyone would thumbs down a high energy packed performance is beyond me! Nick & Valerie were definitely a team on the same track!

[@elizabethmohapi1265]

Down thumbers are pained because the BOSS writers' song are taking it to another level. They penned it, they might as well as sing it live with an ultra electrifying performance.

[@ursherettepaul3467]

The thumbs down idiots obviously have no taste in music!

[@tammystwilson1763]

I loved this song when Diana did it! But the creators of it pretty much jam it too!!

[@elizabethmohapi1265]

Electrifying live performance!! Dynamic duo!! Love me some Ashford and Simpson. ❤️👌🏼

[@foreverdooney]

I need an Ashford to my Simpson! That’s love right there!!!

[@TheMLBennett]

Such an amazing team! There is no one today who could touch their performances.

[@jamieodo]

The energy of Nck and Val is with us now and forever As songwrtiters and performers they have brought imense joy into millions of lives Give it all up for Nick and Val

[@margheritamontagnani9659]

🙏🙏🙏❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@evangelistkennyhamptonjr4595]

Wife and I Been Married 39 Years And We Are Still Going Strong

[@thomasbecker7823]

They met at a soup line at a New York City Church and wrote some of the best Motown Songs! SO NICE to their fans. I saw them at Concerts on the Piers in New York($10.00 thank you Miller Beer!) and Valerie started a ballad on the keyboards and then said "I'm not doing that song I'll sing one we wrote for Diana Ross!" and proceeded to blow us away with her strong perfect vocals. The whole Boss album is amazing and I believe Valerie & Nick coached some of best vocals from Diana as well! After a Luther Vandross concert at Westbury in the 80s they left after greeting fans in the most beautiful Rolls Royce. They deserved that and more for all the joy they created! Nick must be singing with the Angels now!

[@ladybugs7ful]

They could really put on a show. I saw them at Radio City in NYC, and you just wanted them to sing forever. We are so lucky that you are sharing these songs. Thank you.

[@dtricez1083]

Yessss! Love taught me how to love myself with no explanations needed‼

[@bal62850]

Nick & Valerie A Beautiful Couple (was)!!!

[@helengrigsby4838]

Yesssss

[@matagin]

INCREDIBLE! The band is ON POINT!!!!

[@bcancun123]

Tighter than Tight!

[@bassistdc]

Nick and Val are my beloved heroes!

[@blackerthanblue]

All I can say is um, um, um....Now that's how you do it!!!!!!!! And yes we did party to THAT!!.......Thank you Nick and Val.

[@ShyeNYC]

Nick (RIP) & Valerie are the epitome of true entertainers...I'm talking about the total package!!! Singers, songwriters, producers....they dit it all and they did it together...til death did them part! REAL LOVE!!! Going to see Valerie perform this weekend ...can't wait!!x

[@falanajerido875]

I never saw any of ashford and Simpson' now i am watching all of them and they have me in tears great performer

[@ramblerchic8180]

We absolutely love Valerie and Nick is sorely missed!

[@craigsmith5605]

damn!!! nick really WORKED that fringe coat!!! that coat gave me life!!!!

[@rsrs2248]

Craig Smith n

[@lg7268]

RIP Nick. Nick and Val were the. greatest R&B songwriters. If you never saw them in concert. You missed a good concert. Nick was working that fringe shirt.

[@charliepr65]

So many talented people ruled the 70's !!! A & S,Donna Summer,The Jacksons,Diana Ross,Streisand,Cher and so on ...

[@Ms.NIkaDM]

I love these two. They look so happy to perform with each other...love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bluesoulreggae1356]

Gosh , great performance , great band - those two were lifelong partners and you can just see they were so in love with each other - fantastic ❤️

[@shaywhite172]

RIP Nick Ashford

[@OJoyBaby]

Since Nick's passing nearly a month ago, I have been playing A&S songs daily and THIS video in particular -- viewed at least 20 times already. There is so much energy, joy & love! God truly gifted Nick & Val and used them to touch our lives. Their songs will live on forever. Thanks for the wonderful memories.

[@sussaneduran3949]

This was such an incredible performance! That weren't given the credit they deserved for all of the wonderful songs they wrote for other artists. Her voice was the song that "The Boss" was written for. Epic!!!

[@matumasia4089]

So glad I got to see them Live in South Africa -Johannesburg -The Dome. So, so glad. RIP Nickolas. We miss you so much.

[@Morcaiden]

"A guide in my pocket for fools, folly and fun" - a wonderful line!

[@sherieberrie1479]

Nic o Val..never another like them❤

[@janlikesmusic1]

Nice tribute Ron may you rest in peace Mr.Nick Ashford,gone but not forgotten,peace and blessing.Ms.Jan

[@tracysiciliano7772]

OMG!! They are both ON IT throughout the entire song! Whoever is drummin' and tickling the ivory, they both just need to quit! Especially on the piano (during the "breakdowns") you can hear the series of different melodies, all woven together seemlessly...What a team!!!

[@tobor58]

Steve Jordan was their drummer in studio and on this date. He is still kickin - filling in for recently departed Charlie Watts (RIP) of the Rolling Stones

[@theronedawson3236]

, I remember when they did the show in Baltimore they were fantastic I was truly blessed to have got a chance to see Ashford and Simpson. Valerie even sign my autograph. Just think these two wrote beautiful songs over the years they will never forgotten rest in peace Ashford

[@mignongarner8437]

Oh Daaaaamn- yesssss! Yesssss Y’all!!! I knew they wrote this but had only ever heard Diana. Y’all went IN! Get it Nick and Val! This made my Day! Also this song brings me SO much JOY whenever I hear it! SO much JOY! So grateful I was born in ‘79 and have Memories with this AMAZING MUSIC!

[@aaroncreagh4402]

I was introduced to this song by the Braxtons when I was still in college. Loved it!

[@allandavis931]

Aaron Creagh I was introduced to this song by Diana Ross over 40 years ago and it’s still one of top tunes ever.

[@stephaniejones9083]

Ok

[@joannehines7806]

The Ultimate True Soulmate Love-Life Creative Romantic Partnership!! Fantastic singers-songwriters, restaurant owners-business owners & so on!! Fantastic performers!! My only regret: never had an opportunity to see them perform live!! Thank God for KZbin!! 💘 🎶 👗 👡 😍 🎼 🎤

[@jamieodo]

Got to see then the last three years at the Rrazz Room in SF. They had the audience on the feet almost every minute. Pure joy and love Nick and Val together on stage will always be in our hearts. Thank you for 40 years of musical magic There needs to be a Nick and Val Songbook show and /tribute CD

[@Cindydst81]

I so loved this couple.. Nick was always this SEXY Piece of Fine Chocolate to me.

[@lindajones5979]

Awesome 👍 Sandy from NC a. Memory to remember heaven has gained a angel 😇

[@laurettapitts8329]

True love until...RIP Nick (smooth and sexy)

[@robertlandau8]

It just doesn't get any better than this!!!!

[@curiousmonster8221]

WOW!! They still make ya tingle

[@TheMrJarai]

Love taught me ... who was the boss, I like it

[@michellerobinson3669]

Enjoy, your labor day everyone! I love this song about LOVE 👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒

[@antonigeli294]

I will totally admire this glamorous duo on earth

[@sharlab361]

Wish I could like a million times. Reminds me of growing up in Germany watching them on Laserdisc. My dad still has this at home with a ton of records. I was young but love old music.

[@communist-hippie]

Sharla B tou its a crime you havnt uploaded it yet. better do it it if you got laserdisc quality :)

[@sharlab361]

year 2000 we got that Earth Wind and Fire live too

[@IconTC13]

I didn't realize there was a video posted for this live version. I love this version. They could sing like nobody's business. Nick Ashford was a gift to the music industry and his legacy will live on.

[@redlizardhalim7313]

So so nice the Boss ! Merci Monsieur ! thank you Sir (from Paris-France)

[@edwardwilliams2438]

This band is braking it down..church style. This piano player is bangin' those keys like prayer meeting...old school!... And of course A/S is going full tilt with fashion and stage presence. Rock that fringe,child! As artists ..this is Primo! Live...no auto tune...no near nudity..just talent!!!...big and bad as it could be. Thanks for this bit of music history...this should be taught in Master Classes. LOVE!!!

[@OJoyBaby]

I never get tired of playing this one!

[@warrenwilliams1102]

This was the definition of INCREDIBLE!!!

[@sarah3447]

I saw her in Baltimore a few years ago. The program was long, but Val came out on fire! I was so sleepyyyy but I had to stay awake to enjoy this fab sister!!! Excellent!

[@cittaromap4163]

The greatest of them all. Bar none .... true legends .....

[@cecilialittmon722]

Wow brought back memories..

[@PRODUCEDBYKEV]

#RIPNickAshford Hall of fame caliber performance. Nick was one of the greatest lyricists in music & I love Ms. Valerie forever.

[@BestLovesongsForever]

R.I.P. Nickolas great musician and songwriter.

[@bunjicarlin1]

A&S where the true boss's!!!!!

[@jamesphifer3847]

The energy is unmatched.

[@scottamey1074]

I would've sold my house to be there watching this!..... Such slick songwriting.... lush progressions and licks!!.... I must have watched this clip 100 times!!

[@scottlloydamey6154]

Scott Amey I'm watching it again from Corfu on holiday...... Day-ummmm..... The groooooove

[@cameron_fairchild]

you perfectly explained why their songs are so addictive.

[@scottlloydamey6154]

john dough..... I play keys and i profess that Ashford and Simpson influenced my writing massively along with Rodgers and Edwards, Gamble and Huff too 💥✌️

[@philangamlana7736]

love this version,especially the energy they give to this song is wonderful..have gz bms everytime I watch it.

[@ericterrin6338]

i saw nick ahsford many moons ago at motown museum in detroit. wow

[@barbjohnson6268]

Ya'll tore it up Valerie and Nick (RIP). I have been playing the mess out this one song for a month now and still can't get enough! Thank you for writing this song 🎵. It makes me so happy. 😁

[@jamesfraser6033]

Thanks for posting!! Can't get the smile off my face!! Brilliant and uplifting!! :)

[@allisonewe]

What a great duet...so sad about Ashford....wonderful upload..thanks alot..mary

[@egglady]

This is a great performance, really energetic.

[@narvul]

A couple to remember.

[@danettekogut2266]

True Love will prove itself time " over and over ~~ time and time again . " :)

[@marthaharris7840]

Love this always greatest performance ever!!"

[@sukierain9675]

2021 still loving them RIH

[@Roh-c8e]

I just found out just today that they wrote this song while browsing to Diana Ross' version on KZbin!

[@va70065]

Thank you so much for posting this... She out did Miss Ross! RIP Nick We -3 you

[@luv2u1000]

I just saw Diana 2 weeks ago. Never knew this till now. Great song!

[@mahoganyflame]

I hope they are in the music music industry's hall of fame because they sure deserve it...they can write,sing,and perform....my sister and I lover their song

[@DrBryanCronin]

I saw them do this at Radio City, along with "I Ain't Been Licked," "No One Gets the Prize" and others from Miss Diane's "The Boss" Lp. Let me tell you, Miss Ross did not hold a candle to them. I saw Miss Ross do a similar show later that year. She could NOT keep up with these two. This was absolutely, one of the best shows I've ever seen. And I've seen Bowie, the Stones, Luther, etc. (who were all great, too). But this show was INSANE!

[@anthonyholley2796]

I just love and adore Ashford and Simpson. They made some beautifully , touching, heartwarming , and soul stirring love songs for the universe. They need to do a biopic of their lives and get NBA player Kevin Durant the play Nick and Keke Palmer to play Valerie.

[@timmcgruder8487]

Blew the friggin roof off!!

[@wandersonjc1988]

Classic Vídeo, Beautiful Song!!!

[@donjones1124]

Such an understated duo.

[@allandavis931]

You can clearly hear Valerie Simpson's influence on Diana Ross's version here. They literally take the song to church. Imagine if Diana Ross would have walked on for the final reprise of the chorus!

[@brianwoods9741]

Valerie said when they gave Diana the song they were not restricting at all ,and told Diana to go for it do what you feel , let it come out naturally and Valerie said they caught Diana on hot mike singing when they took a break or something and Diana started singing on hot mike and Diana started wailing doing the high notes and one of the engineers started to interrupt Diana to get started but Valerie said leave her alone let her do her thing and when she's done we'll see if we can use it . Valerie said frankly she would not have come up with the wailing because she didn't feel that . But Valerie said apparently Diana did and that was good and we need to see were if at all we can use it . That wailimg was all Diana and we had nothing to do with that it was a brilliant move on Diana part even though she had not known yet that we caught her unknowingly on break just doing her thing naturally..

[@allandavis931]

@@brianwoods9741 thanks for that! So clearly it was the other way round and Diana influenced the way Valerie sang the song!

[@brianwoods9741]

That's it Allen David

[@tinaloveseddie]

Thank you for this wonderful tribute!! Nick will be missed greatly =)

[@gaylebellaire5830]

Nick Ashford was a genius lyricist and Valerie Simpson is a genius pianist.

[@MrOmgfreak]

such good times back then......yall dont even know.

[@MrWgriffin325]

Now that's entertainment!! Damn, that's hot!!