Throwback: Happy 85th Birthday, Nick Ashford!

Welp, we’ve made it to May y’all. This year has been yet another infuriating, soul-crushingly brutal slog. I’m furious and exhausted. And if you have a conscience and a soul, you feel the same. There isn’t an easy way out of this hell. 

But there’s music, art, small pleasures, and every day joys. We’ll cling to that as much as possible in between fighting for the rights and futures for our loved ones — and ourselves.

Of course, with this site, it’s important to show respect to our legends and our contemporary artists. And to that end, let’s get to it: 

• The legendary godfather of soul, the Soul Brother #1, James Brown was born 93 years ago on May 3
• Interpol’s Paul Banks celebrated his 48th birthday on May 3
• The legendary Frankie Valli celebrated his 92nd birthday on May 3
• The late and supremely great soul artist Sharon Jones was born on this day 70 years ago today

Nick Ashford, one-half of beloved husband-and-wife songwriting, production and artist duo Ashford & Simpson was born on this day 85 years ago. As a songwriter, producer and artist, Nick Ashford was behind some of the most beloved and oft-covered songs ever written, recorded or performed, including Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need To Get By,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman,” Diana Ross’ “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” their smash hit 1984 tune “Solid,” and a lengthy list of others.

Happy birthday legend! Happy birthday, wherever you are!

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The Joy of Violent Movement is a completely independent and completely D.I.Y. media outlet. Over the course of this site’s 15+ year history, I’ve used my fiercely independent stance to cover music with an eclectic and global perspective that a lot of other publications just don’t have — and will likely never have. 

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