Songwriter Nick Ashford Dies; Had Throat Cancer

FIRST PUBLISHED: August 22, 2011 9:13 PM EDTLAST UPDATED: August 22, 2011 9:34 PM EDT NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, has died at age 70. His longtime friend and former publicist Liz Rosenberg told The Associated Press that Ashford who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motowns biggest hits died Monday in a New York City hospital. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment. Among the songs Ashford & Simpson penned are Aint No Mountain High Enough, 'Youre All I Need To Get By and Reach Out And Touch Somebodys Hand. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Copyright 2011 by Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.