Why did Valerie Simpson Record Solo and Only Solo LPs at Motown? Why Did Nick Not?

[Boogiedown]

The two actually did record an album for Motown but it was never released. I have no idea why but I wouldn't be surprised if the label wasn't really interested in Nick as a vocalist.

But are you saying that they were interested in Valerie as a vocalist? Two albums. Or, were there some negotiations going on here?

That duo's album must have really been terrible if they chose not to release it, preferring her solo ones that sank like rocks.

Kenneth: Great questions all. I hope some of the experts on this site can give us some insight.

Yes, let's see who here might know some things...

[reese]

But are you saying that they were interested in Valerie as a vocalist? Two albums. Or, were there some negotiations going on here?

That duo's album must have really been terrible if they chose not to release it, preferring her solo ones that sank like rocks.

Again, I'm only speculating. I assume there was some interest in Valerie because they actually released two albums on her. Plus Diana Ross even wrote the liner notes for the EXPOSED set.

[BayouMotownMan]

Nick and Val's plan was the launch Valerie as a soloist. If you look back to that period there just weren't that many successful "duo" acts. Sonny and Cher were probably the only ones. Also, Nick had taken on more of a business role working with other producers at Motown like Frank Wilson and he was more interested in behind the scenes activities. This was the opinion I had of why Val went solo, despite the fact that Nick was an outstanding singer in his own right. Perhaps after establishing Valerie they considered performing as a duo and as someone said an entire lp is in the vaults. Berry Gordy was fond of A&S but they were pissed that Val's career didn't take off. Gordy had gone hollywood, moving the company to LA and concentrating more on movies than music.

[Boogiedown]

Nick and Val's plan was the launch Valerie as a soloist. If you look back to that period there just weren't that many successful "duo" acts. Sonny and Cher were probably the only ones. Also, Nick had taken on more of a business role working with other producers at Motown like Frank Wilson and he was more interested in behind the scenes activities. This was the opinion I had of why Val went solo, despite the fact that Nick was an outstanding singer in his own right. Perhaps after establishing Valerie they considered performing as a duo and as someone said an entire lp is in the vaults. Berry Gordy was fond of A&S but they were pissed that Val's career didn't take off. Gordy had gone hollywood, moving the company to LA and concentrating more on movies than music.

aha. but then if that were their plan and they felt it was all Motown's fault that Val's career didn't take off .....what was it that shifted their thinking when going to Warners?
Why was the Val as solo star concept hung out to dry forever thereafter .... and the duo idea now thought to be a good one especially if duos didn't fare so well, as you say?

I'm also wondering which came first : the rejected duet project ...or Valerie's solo ones?

[BayouMotownMan]

I have to respectfully disagree on the assessment that Nick Ashford is not a good singer. Listen to his vocal on Is It Still Good To Ya. He hits a high note toward the end that could have shattered glass. Valerie too is a gifted vocalist and pianist.

Diana Ross befriended the pair in the early 70s while recording their material and she championed Valerie's solo aspirations even thought the company had no real interest in another female vocalist. If I remember correctly it was Diana's idea to reunite with the pair for The Boss.

[nabob]

There has been no mention of Valerie's work with Quincy Jones from the early 70s that included Summer in the City, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Bridge Over Troubled Waters and Gula Matari. She later did Stuff Like That with Chaka Khan for Quincy Jones.

[Boogiedown]

Again, I'm only speculating. I assume there was some interest in Valerie because they actually released two albums on her. Plus Diana Ross even wrote the liner notes for the EXPOSED set.

That's why I'm wondering was there real interest in her work by Motown? Or were they just obliging them to keep them happy and in the fold.
So wow, Diana Ross writes the liner notes [or at the very least is credited ] *Had she ever done that before [or since?] ....maybe for the J5?
My guess would be Valerie asked it of her ....based on nothing though.

I'll seek out those liner notes.

Added:
OK Diana's handwritten note [Ross experts: Is that her actual writing?] is most prominent on the back cover , bigger than the rest of the info there. Beautiful handwriting, but I can't make out what it says reading it at discogs.

The poster there has gone out of the way to point out a symbol etched in the record's run-out grooves. Anyone know what it is??

[gman]

Diana wrote the notes on the rear panel of the Reflections LP....says she "never dreamed when she was 22" but at the time I believe she was 25....