Solid! Solid as a rock.

Today I woke up to learn of the passing of Nick Ashford, one half of the long-time award-winning songwriting/singing duo Ashford & Simpson. Their hit song, "Solid", could be an anthem for their lives - their career AND their marriage. They were married for 38 years and were together 10 years before that! 48 years is long time to be with someone while maintaining a seemingly happy appearance.

As an '80s girl, "Solid as a rock" is what I can't help but hear in my head whenever I see them... the song was really my first introduction to them. I never knew they were a part of the Motown machine and produced so many hits that I have enjoyed in my life... many of which seem to be a testament to the love they shared. They had a hand in selling 60 million records by the time I was born in 1977. Later, they went into doing more business together with their ownership in restaurants and lounges, DJ and continued live performances. He arrived in New York with $57 in his pocket to live his life in humble grandeur.

My condolences go out to Ms. Simpson for this loss of her life partner, and to her children who have lost their father.