Valerie Simpson -of the iconic singer/songwriting duo, Ashford & Simpson- comes from a very musical family. We already know that she and her late husband, Nickolas Ashford, could create an R&B soul hit song, like no other! But little did most of us, Ashford & Simpson fans, know, Valerie also has a brother who is a popular singer.
Before we get into who her brother is, we wanna first commend this “Is It Still Good To You” singer for hangin’ in there ever since the passing of her better half, Nick Ashford, in August of 2011.
After Nick’s death, Valerie has continued to keep the legacy, she and her hubby built, alive. She released a solo album in 2012, titled Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again. She was featured on the title track for the neo-soul duo, Kindred and the Family Soul’s, 2014 album, A Couple Friends (see video below). And as of today, ‘Mrs. Ashford’ still performs the classic jams that she and Nick ashford penned years ago on the regular.
In recent years, Valerie has not only fed the souls of her fans with great music, but she’s also fed the bellies of folks with some country style soul food at her NY restaurant, Sugar Bar, which she and Nick opened up in 1996. It’s been a hot spot for everyone from Stevie Wonder, to Freddie Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy and a bunch of other celebs.
MEET VALERIE SIMPSON’S SINGING BROTHER
Valerie Simpson’s brother’s name is Ray Simpson and he’s the current lead singer of the legendary 70’s/80’s group, The Village People. But the talented sibling syndrome doesn’t stop here for Valerie, her other brother, Jimmy Simpson, is a successful music producer who produced the soul group GQ, best known for hits like Disco Nights (Rock-Freak) and I Do Love You.
Here are some pics of her brother, Ray…
This explains why Valerie is so good at what she does. She was surrounded by talent all of her life. You go Valerie!
Ray Simpson and the rest of the Village People still pack houses to this very day and they perform regularly.
Check out video of Ray Simpson performing with The Village People…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvIerD7H7Ok
Nick Ashford was a remarkable talent and it’s sad that his life was cut so short, but it’s beautiful to see Valerie continuing to spread what she and Nick built together. We wish the Valerie much continued success.
