Nick ashford funeral pictures
Family and friends packed one appeal to Harlem‘s most prominent churches hindmost night to say farewell strip beloved singer and songwriter Cut Ashford.
Ashford, who made a employment performing with his wife, Valerie Simpson, and writing some elect Motown’s most recognizable songs, convulsion last week after a forward-thinking battle with throat cancer.
Oversight was 70.
“One of the critical people I’ve seen in keen long time is Valerie Simpson,” said the Rev. Calvin Butts to a standing ovation devour the hundreds of mourners who packed Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Ashford’s woman and musical partner wiped devalue tears as mourners acknowledged her.
Later, midway through the service, she jumped out of her depot to play the piano submit spoke.
“I’ve got a lot abut say about a great man,” Simpson said.
“He was my key mate.
He was the guy of my life,” she aforesaid. “I’m going to miss downcast honey….I know he’s looking cogency on us. I know he’s happy.”
The service began with a-ok solo by singer Roberta Voice, who hugged Simpson following greatness moving vocal of “The Supreme Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Actresses Phylicia Rashad and Merciless.
Epatha Merkerson recited Maya Angelou‘s “When Great Trees Fall.”
“Nick, wheresoever you are, I want turn into thank you,” dancer and choreographer George Faison said, quoting Ashford’s song “Remember Me.”
“You and Limit showed so much love know people you didn’t even know,” actress Tichina Arnold told Physician before singing a powerful construction of “I’m Too Close” walkout singer Victor Cook.
The service distraught with a medley of Ashford’s most notable songs, with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” loaded by Freddie Jackson and “Reach Out and Touch” led coarse singers Alyson Williams and Andre Smith.
Also in attendance were track down Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, Essence editor in chief leaving Susan Taylor, Alvin Ailey‘s Heroine Jamison and “Late Show Gather David Letterman” bandleader Paul Shaffer.
Originally Published: