Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson On: Marvin Gaye: Writers Of Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Despite his commercial success, Marvin Gaye was troubled by internal conflict and relationship problems. The first two clips, from Marvin Gaye: What's Going On, explore a difficult period in Marvin's life, when his first marriage was on the rocks.
The remaining clips are extended versions of interviews with people who knew Marvin during his time at Motown. Gladys Knight, of Gladys Knight and the Pips, worked with Marvin at Motown from the mid '60s to early '70s. Songwriting duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson wrote several duets for Marvin and Tammi Terrell, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Otis Williams, the last surviving original member of the Temptations, recalls a special moment with Marvin at a piano in a Motown studio. Weldon McDougal worked in promotion at Motown and helped generate interest in Marvin's albums. Ben Fong-Torres interviewed Marvin for a piece in Rolling Stone.

[@danbev9313]

I used to see Nick on the east side of Manhattan. Said hello to him several times and each time he stopped to say hello to me with a sincere genuine smile. What a lovely man

[@lavettevxoxo]

Wow look at the respect each one allows the other to speak without interruption Beautiful love

[@dusroots]

That part!!! It was beautiful!

[@TheKay500]

They were one dynamic couple..Probably the only celebrity couple whose marriage lasted til the end! And they were probably the greatest songwriters ever.

[@2dasimmons]

+Kwasi Kisiedu So true!

[@roter13]

paul newman and joanne woodward were married for 50 years until his death in 2008

[@dorothyesked1802]

They seem so humble and down to earth people dynamic couple and yes indeed Marvin and Tammy were an adorable couple you can thier connection when they performed love Ashford Simpson great writers and performers.

[@Linda-mp5oz]

Amen.. you said that! 🥰💕

[@casey4602]

Along with Marvin Gaye, Smokey, Holland Dozier Holland and Gamble/Huff, are greatest too.

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

Ashford always looked like a beautiful Lion.

[@reginamarnae5126]

Lmao... girl you ain't never lied..😊

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

@@reginamarnae5126 LOL..😍😍😍FrFr

[@3rd_eyeairbrush]

My Mom always said that lol

[@monilaninetynine3811]

Like Scar from The Lion King. 😎

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

@@monilaninetynine3811 😂 LOL

[@jamynik]

Powerhouse couple...very underated. Their contribution to music is priceless

[@andrecureton1204]

They was never underrated they just didn't do public appearances and publicity that's all that was the music industry knows exactly who this power couple are as songwriters as performers as producers they was never underrated trust me

[@ReneeDeborah]

@@andrecureton1204 Truth!

[@ALIENDNA14]

@@andrecureton1204 They were* You were using the wrong verb form, for whatever reason... But other than that, I can pretty much agree with your sentiments...

[@kmac10027]

the grammer police in here?!? does that 14 represent your age?

[@Oughut88]

They were so exquisitely beautiful together 💜🌹💜

[@assatawells8224]

NICK AND VAL never recieved their due notoriety. What a BEAUTIFUL love story. Their discography is phenomenal, as is the fact that they were SO young when they began writing together and their songs are MASTERPIECES. A movie should be done about them. I love the way that they interact with one another.

[@chermainebigby5238]

I agree with that and they should be in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame also

[@aduniubaka8041]

True that would be so nice. Sounds like Nick was hoarse even then.

[@christophervaughan2637]

I am truly shocked they are not inducted: their songs are magical

[@SimplyBeingTT]

Absolutely!!!

[@jeromesmotivationalcorner9537]

Seeing Nick makes me wanna cry. He is gone

[@bigmuffin99]

I love Nick and Val !!!!!! Both so beautiful and so talented. They brought joy!

[@scottbailey1560]

Nick Ashford should be in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame and The Country Music Hall of Fame! He was a brilliant songwriter, and what upset me is that he did not ever get the awards he deserved when he was alive. Even Elvis Presley, and The Beatles liked Nick Ashford!

[@angelasantiago7426]

Scott Bailey many black artist and writers don't get the recognition they deserve while alive it's sad

[@chermainebigby5238]

Thats 😎 Didnt know Elvis was a fan of Nick Ashford

[@nadinejohnson2189]

🕊️ I agree Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame 🕊️ Country Hall of Fame!🕺💃 I remember that day pulling over off the freeway crying like a baby RIP Marvin Gaye & Nick Ashford 🎶 Much Love 💞

[@626reno]

My favorite songwriters. But love them when they sing their own songs.

[@rubydawn1]

what a beautiful couple they were a perfect match.

[@dtrn254]

Valerie was a real Marvin Gaye fan she could really see his talent

[@Modernart8]

The Original Dynamic Duo!!~

[@channelmixer]

zI can't look at Nick without smiling, he seems like such a beautiful soul

[@rezyousuf4954]

Beautiful couple in every way and so talented and gracious.

[@randythirdsun6751]

I MET MR. ASHFORD AND THIS IS NO ACT HE WAS REALLY THIS WAY!!

[@aeishajones2855]

Artists whose grandeur, positive energy, professional commitment are sorely missed in today's industry. Very unique and original

[@brodocbetty4856]

Marvin Gaye could do so many things with his voice no other singer could match him.

[@SimplyBeingTT]

His versatility is on another level. I don't think it's mentioned enough. That genius gift coupled with his musicianship, is what makes him one of the greatest to have ever done it. 😍

[@clarek4663]

you can tell from their song Solid that they were together x

[@rickw1100]

True artists. Creative genius. Humility. Love, love, and more love. Ashford and Simpson. SOLID as a Rock..

[@ggkk6474]

One word for them...Awesome

[@martycee]

Wonderful interview. These two are the soundtrack and heartbeat of my youth. Growing up in drab post war London, Motown arrived right at the start of my teens and kick started my burgeoning musical talent that blossomed in the mid '60s. Now 68 years old I have carried their legacy alongside others from that era throughout my entire music career. However, the debt of gratitude I owe this couple in particular for the inspiration their music provided is beyond measure. R.I.P Nick. Love always.

[@gerryobrien7973]

I wish there was a lot more footage of Tammi Terrell. She seems like such a interesting character. Its a shame there isn't many interviews of her.

[@cococabana1932]

Maybe because she died years ago. And Marvin was whooping her behind. Do your research

[@gerryobrien7973]

@@cococabana1932 please dont be nasty.... it wasn't Marvin you troll, it was james brown... you do your fucking research and stop hating yourself... hurt people try to hurt people

[@tammydenise6387]

Agree. Would love to see more videos of tammi Terrell. Wish that Hollywood would do a movie of them

[@sheilawilliams1235]

She was only 24(almost 25)when she died

[@gerryobrien7973]

@@sheilawilliams1235 yeah thats a shame... it was brain cancer

[@flowerzindattic98]

They are among the major architects of uptempo R&B Dance music and heavily influenced Soulful Vocal House Music. Awesome...awesome!

[@maryanngray6665]

Great musical couples, and song writers, miss u Ashford, nick, and ur wife valerie.

[@autoprimestopmotion322]

This is the real power couple right here they’ll never be another like it absolutely love these to the personification of what absolute real love is all about

[@Bizz2k]

They took Motown out of their 60s sound into this new music that got my generation interested. I first heard about this duo in the late 70s circa '77 in my step into teenage. I said 'yeah, that what I want to hear'. I saw Nick Ashford's hair on tell and just was mesmerised.

[@Modelt5000]

Great interview!! I admire these two talented singer/ songwriters and couples. The way they met and started writing songs it was destiny. Love you Valerie!! Rip Nick!! You are missed.

[@kennethdavis1209]

Wow really miss seeing this couple

[@RichardKoenigsberg]

Nice Ashford was a great guy. And of course the songs they wrote were the best. Songwriters don't always become as famous as the artists who sing the song.They were OK as singer (Ashford and Simpson), but as song-writers--they were the top: the best.

[@1miyanishi]

with all due respect Mr Koenigsberg...I am sure that I am not alone in wishing I could be as 'OK' as this incredible couple were/are when it comes to singing..have you heard them deliver 'The Boss' live or listened to Val Simpson's solo output on Motown? They not only wrote songs that were technically impeccably crafted but they could sing them too..no mean feat when you think about songs like 'I'm Every Woman' and 'Clouds' with very wide vocal ranges and their musicianship is first rate..they could SANG

[@chermainebigby5238]

@@1miyanishi Dont forget they sang on Quincy Jones Stuff like that song.

[@crissyheimlich9216]

You guys are still beautiful

[@aaronj.brooks1977]

R. I. P. Nick Ashford of Ashford & Simpson fame both Nick and Valerie were mighty powerful songwriting duos that produced a lot of top 10 hits for many artistes even including themselves as well.

[@drwhatson]

Such a generous and heartfelt interview. They barely mention their own contribution to the Marvin & Tammi legend - TERRIFIC SONGS.

[@jasfan8247]

Those Marvin &Tammi tracks were mostly done with Johnny Bristol. A&S arranged produced Diana's version of "No mountain high" 🌻

[@drwhatson]

@@jasfan8247 They wrote the songs!

[@jasfan8247]

@@drwhatson yes, i mean Diana's version is how A&S envisioned the song. With the stops and crescendo's...the choirs. Victorious because for Diana Motown let them produce their own songs instead of giving it to another producer and messing with it😵. That is victorious! 🙏

[@sonjaistheone4614]

I noticed that too! I'm so grateful I clicked on this video - I almost didn't. Many people would have been focused on themselves but I was just intrigued mainly by their reflections of Marvin Gaye. There is not much visually available about Tammie Terrell other than her singing so I found that informative as well!

[@taffyday123]

They have always been a Powerful couple. Cookout in the backyard and card games with my family honey. Awesome couple.

[@SimplyBeingTT]

The versatility of Marvin's voice is on another level. I don't think it's mentioned enough. That genius gift coupled with his musicianship, is what makes him one of the greatest to have ever done it. 😍

[@feofeouncle6294]

The interviewer's trying to attribute "What's Going On" to Tammi's death, and it's nice of Ashford that he attributes that to his own creativity and attitude

[@livmurray1958]

I had No idea these Songs Marvin and Tammi sung together was written by this Golden Couple of their Era, and still today, after i just found out he died in 2011 i cried and researched and cried, the same for Marvin till today devastated, Marvin was definitely Original and ahead of his time.. this program was an absolute treat for me thank you for releasing this, meloncholic right now over all of rhis, Nick is clearing his throat hecwas diagnosed with Lung Cancer i found out tonite, im devastated, ive listened to them since the 80s, I was in Ireland so i did not know he passed away😭😪😪😪💔💔💔We are so blessed and Valery, i cant imagine, her life without Nick😢 God Bless Nick, Tammi, Marvin..Valery Were thinking of you❤

[@psm-rq3xk]

One of the very best duets of all time

[@2dasimmons]

I think Marvin Gaye had that same certain indefinable something that the great Duke Ellington had. Sometimes he would help the audience get on beat by doing a little stomp on stage as he cocked his head to the side and lightly snapped his fingers while he did his little dance. THAT WAS THRILLING TO US AUDIENCE MEMBERS. RIP Marvin Gaye and Duke Ellington. See you in THE NEW WORLD...coming soon:-)

[@cliffzialor5600]

the greatest love of all, never seen anything like this, sad to loose nick, but such is life

[@duncandacunha7771]

LEGENDS!!!!

[@clobbyhops]

I don't think their underated, just not always appreciated by the music industry as a whole. Love this couple, out of the many celebrity couples out there( past and present), Ashford and Simpson are the couple I looked up too the most.

[@chillywillie6283]

Why not an ‘Unsung’ profile of Ashford and Simpson? Their look never changed over the years. You can’t tell what decade they were being interviewed.

[@Mone525]

Beautiful voice

[@2dasimmons]

Wow! I remember Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. That album cover of them together is so clear in my mind!

[@davebellamy4867]

I just bought that album, only small on CD. Would be nicer on vinyl.

[@vicmarshall4524]

R.I.P. Mr Ashford. In my view, he seems ill here. You can hear it in his voice They made some awesine

[@patrickhicks9880]

i think that kind of chemistry and talent is really rare

[@dianewashington1065]

I always wished I could hear them sing "Let love use me." in concert. I love that song by them.

[@falanajerido875]

Beautiful interview

[@judykwaha7022]

A great inspiration they were 😊

[@susancain8505]

very classy couple

[@arthurleroygivinsjr.6835]

TRUE LEGENDS

[@sheilahsnipes1498]

Nick Ashford does look like a majestic lion. So does Lionel Richie. They look similar but one is light and the other dark. Forte' looks like a cross between Nick and Lionel. I miss my dear friend.

[@forensicaccountant259]

Harvey Fuqua belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@sheilawilliams1235]

I LOVED THEM BOTH♥🙌

[@kurtjackberhalter1537]

My first album at ten years old. I actually fell in love with Valerie and Nick,with this album. The ultimate songwriters!

[@stephanieg4342]

Please can we pay homage to them as song writers

[@sheilapalmer224]

I miss him

[@sherronroberts909]

I love you BOTH💕👌🏽

[@n.m6249]

True love

[@andreaarchambeau9499]

These two people separately and together were such kind souls. I grew up in a small artists and beach community outside of NYC where they owned a home. When you saw that beautiful Rolls Royce rolling around you knew that Mr Simpson was in town. I hadn’t seen them since my high school years but they both stayed so beautiful. Rest In Peace Mr Simpson, I know your family and the world misses having you here.

[@vanessarichardson199]

Mr. ashford dear. Valarie is simpson. My favorite dual. Great song writers. Nick Ashford. Such humility. U can tell thise two really loved each other. rIP Mr Ashford, we miss u but Our creator loves u more! They didnt get the recognition they deserve. Their songs will never die! Love these 2! Very humble couple!!!

[@andreaarchambeau9499]

@@vanessarichardson199 my bad! You are so correct. I wrote in haste. Either way, very nice people.

[@vanessarichardson199]

@@andreaarchambeau9499 thats alright dear. I do that myself sometimes. We r human beings. I just loved when they sang together. I knownshe misses her husband very much!. God is blessing and strengthening Valarie and their kids.

[@Nalynn1986]

A biography picture with these two would be awesome

[@justsayin1890]

Nick Ashford remind me of a lion....The Lion of Judah.

[@leeleerocks3616]

More like a man with horse body he didn't 't look human to me he looked like somebody drew him, some type of character

[@rezyousuf4954]

Yes i agree!

[@yellowrose7618]

@@rezyousuf4954, you agree to anything...dummy!😂😂😂

[@yellowrose7618]

@@megamafiarecords, takes one to know one!

[@annetter0bison179]

He just had his self together when he dress an look good 🤣😉 I no his wife was proud of him the way he carried his self, it was dad that he die to soon .fine self L.O.L.

[@falanajerido875]

Love them

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@220773]

I'm always amazed, positively, at how easy black people take sexuality and never separate feelings of love and sexual partnership. It's natural and they feel so, something we white Anglo-Saxon proddies lack a lot and should learn how to deal with.

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Cbb456]

For all the stupid comments of how UNDERRATED ARTISTS ARE.. LOOK IN THE MIRROR! They received their due everytime we as the people of the sun, buy their music they created 4 US! When we go to see them perform they receive their due! Stop with this b.s! It's you who's underatted!

[@falanajerido875]

The interviewer didn't ask them question personally he wanted to know more about marvin gaye which he was a great artist but ask questions about them

[@MarvinHicks-dd7qb]

💎💎💎💎💎

[@rievans57]

When I am attracted to someone initially because of their art I try to tune out everything else about them. My thinking is the tragedy in there life is a part of their genius. Almost all great artists live with demons and if the artist buys into the idea that one feeds off the other they begin to spiral into an abyss.

[@angelasantiago7426]

Solid E well they didn't

[@fredfells209]

What Will & Jada want to Be.

[@annechris2677]

Who are they

[@splendidcakes]

I love Dusty Springfield but NOT for Ain't No Mountain High Enough!!!

[@musicmomma81]

She recorded tammi parts in the duet with Marvin Gaye after Tammi passed.

[@craigjones1669]

In an interview, she said that was not true. Tammi did all her vocals

[@davebellamy4867]

I think their third album was out just before Tammi died. Tammi rallied after some of her surgeries according to her biography, especially the first at thexturn of 1968 and the sixth(😬) in 1968 and 1969. There is an article in Ebony magazime late 69 implying shexwas feeling somewhat better butvit wasn't to be. I think that interview was done earlier that year and published when the album came out. Nov 69. She was very poorly again by then. I found that article on Google books. Its called the ordeal of Tammi Terrell.

[@rampageclover9788]

If you were to convince Barry White to go vegan you'd eventually end up with Nick Ashford...

[@rachellehoyt6408]

Didn't michael jackson know them?

[@angelasantiago7426]

Rachelle Hoyt yes

[@philauguste7310]

Reverend Oates

[@falanajerido875]

It to low

[@jackiethompkins2190]

shut up ,,🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

No disrespect but was Nick gay?

[@hazeleyes611]

His singing was terrible. He barely could hold a tune. Valerie was the real singer.

[@kingmellowmankingmellow1185]

That's not true. He could sing.

[@beanerschnitzel794]

homosexual couple