Nick Berry Videos : Nick Ashford's Funeral (Part 2): Why Motown wasn't there

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Nick Ashford's Funeral (Part 2): Why Motown wasn't there

by DC Livers (BlackPress.org) - Hours after Hurricane Irene ripped through New York City causing devastating flooding and left millions in the dark without power, thousands gathered in the streets and filled a church with light to remember R&B singer/writer Nickolas Ashford, who died on Aug. 22 after losing his battle with throat cancer. He was 70 years old. While Ashford was cremated a few days earlier and his body wasn't there, his spirit was alive as friend after friend and musician after musician held up the award-winning singer in song. In lieu of a casket, three photos of the singer were placed on the church stage and provided a visual reminder of accomplishments of one of Motown Records' most success songwriters. Although she planned to remain silent during the star-studded memorial service, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson, was moved to jump up from her seat and head to the piano. Her emotional remarks about her husband since 1974 came as a surprise to many. In this podcast, Black photographer Ronnie Wright who has known the duo for nearly 30 years, talks about why Motown wasn't at his memorial service and what the future may hold.

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