Originally Posted by
Motown4Ever518
Valerie Simpson. hmm, where could I begin?
In 1970 as a son of Philadelphia, not having the musical taste that I would develop in time, hearing the Quincy LP Gula Matari. I heard this voice explode out of the speakers doing a cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water, a true WTH moment, which I believe preceded the 2 solo albums on Tamala, who knew that she could sing, or more importantly, sing like that. One of the underated voices of our time!
A friend when telling me what he did on the previous weekend, mentioning that at a party on a Saturday night in New York City in the early 70's, Valerie Simpson made him a drink. I cannot think of many music superstars being that down to earth in relating to a then stranger, as a fellow human being in a public space like that." I am just like you, only the co-writer of some songs that will stand the test of time", is what I took from hearing of this.
My then 12 year old daughter, at the Nick and Val owned Sugar Bar in New York City, wanting to sing "I Am Changing" from Dreamgirls on open mike Thursday and the pianist not sure of the changes. To the rescue comes The Valerie Simpson, who comes up and plays piano for this unknown with the rest of the band. When I look at the video of Valerie supporting and musically spuring on my child to heights I am not sure she knew she had in her, it still sends chills up my aging spine.
And lastly, while in New York City just for the heck of it recently, finding the White Rock Baptist Church and taking pictures of it. While doing so, I imagined a young Valerie Simpson being in the choir with her friends and opening up her heart to this stranger Nick Ashford, probably against the advice of her girlfriends, and as a parent, probably against their wishes as well to this stranger. Thank goodness she did, and because she did, look at all that transpired because she did.
Tomato Tom, please do not forget the Dynamic Superiors two Ashford and Simpson produced LP's from I believe1974-75. Some of the most creative music they have ever written, which is saying a lot, played and performed to near perfection by Valerie on Piano.
Mystery Singer, among the things I would like to see in my lifetime, The Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl. Check.
World Peace. Still a work in progress. The Nick and Val solo LP on Motown. Never say never.
Valerie Simpson, I Love You To Pieces!!!!!
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