If you’re a true fan of old school R&B music, then the little cutie patootie in the photo below is probably responsible for some of your favorite old school jams. As both a singer and songwriter, not only did she have the radio on FIRE back in the day, she also helped the careers of many high profiled singers, by co-writing several of their career defining hits. Her work speaks for itself and she managed to be a thriving force in the R&B music game for a span of three decades. Think you’ve guessed who she is? Scroll down to see if you were a hit or missed with this one….
Who Is She?
Well she’s the one and only Valerie Simpson, one half of the legendary group, Ashford N’ Simpson! When we came across her childhood photo we just had to share it with y’all. Who would’ve thought that adorable little girl would have grown up and given us classic joints like , “Solid,” “Is It Still Good To You,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and waaaay too many others to name?!!
Although Valerie’s husband/music partner, Nickolas Ashford, sadly passed away in 2011, she’s managed to keep his legacy alive, through her continued work. She’s is proving that at 71 years young, ‘ain’t no mountain high’ to block her ambition, nor her blessings. In case y’all missed our previous report about the new career Valerie just started, peep the details below…
Valerie Simpson’s New Career
In March (2018), Valerie entered into a new profession- as a Broadway actress in the hit stage play, “Chicago Musical,” where she’s playing the role of “Mama Morton.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1735941319795676&set=a.726857414037410.1073741827.100001394732382&type=3&theater
Her family and friends -including the legendary singer, Freddie Jackson- showed up to supported her Broadway debut…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgRaIzzBsIX/
Kandi Makes Way For The “Solid” Legend
Not only did Simpson’s new gig surprise many of her fans, who mainly know her as an R&B music legend, but when they learned she was actually replacing a popular singer/reality star who’s 3 decades younger, they were also impressed.
Xscape singer/”Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, Kandi Burruss, starred in the stage play for a minute, as “Mama Morton,” just before handing that title to the queen herself, Valerie Simpson.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgFhzr7Hm3l/
“Set It Off Actor” Is Her Co-Star
Speaking of “Set It Off,” guess who Simpson’s new “Chicago Musical” co-star is? None other than “Set It Off” actor, Chaz Lamar. Remember him?
You may not recall Chaz’s real name, but if you’ve seen that classic 90’s film, you definitely remember his face. Who could forget, the cat who played “Stony’s” (Jada Pinkett-Smith) lil’ brother that had all of us tearing up when a trigger-happy cop shot him outside that apartment complex? Well, unbeknownst to many, the brotha can not only act, but he can sing, which is why he was able to land the role in a classic musical, like “Chicago Musical.”
It’s a beautiful thing to see Valerie Simpson continuing to let her light shine and displaying her many talents to the world. We wish her and Chaz much success in their new chapter together as co-stars in “Chicago Musical.”
