His longtime friend and former publicist Liz Rosenberg told the Associated Press that Ashford — who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's 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 Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You're All I Need To Get Byand Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.