Nick Berry Videos : Nick Ashford's star-studded funeral in Harlem, NY captured by BlackPress.org

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Nick Ashford's star-studded funeral in Harlem, NY captured by BlackPress.org

(BlackPress.org) - Nick Ashford of Motown's Ashford & Simpson died August 22, 2011 of throat cancer. by DC Livers (BlackPressRadio.com) - Although she planned to remain silent during the service, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson was moved to jump up from her seat and head to the piano. Valerie Simpson's was moved to make remarks at the funeral of her husband since 1974 Nickolas Ashford at which famed Pastor Calvin Butts presided. "I've got a lot to say about a great man. He was my soul mate. He was the man of my life. I'm going to miss my honey. I know he's looking down on us. I know he's happy." The service began with a solo by singer Roberta Flack, who hugged Simpson following the moving vocal of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." Actresses Phylicia Rashad recited Maya Angelou's "When Great Trees Fall." "You and Nick showed so much love to people you didn't even know," actress Tichina Arnold (Everybody Hates Chris/Martin) told Simpson before singing a powerful rendition of "I'm Too Close" with singer Victor Cook. Celebrities who attended: Susan Taylor, Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, Alvin Ailey's Judith Jamison, Actor Michael Douglas, Edgar Bronfman, Jr. and "Late Show With David Letterman" bandleader Paul Shaffer. Motown founder Berry Gordon issued the following statement, calling Ashford "an all-around beautiful human being." Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. issued a statement today about the death of longtime songwriter Nick Ashford: "I am shocked and saddened ...

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