Nickolas Ashford Quotes

Powerful Nickolas Ashford for Daily Growth

About Nickolas Ashford

Nickolas Ashford (May 4, 1941 – August 22, 2011) was an influential American songwriter, record producer, and singer, best known for his partnership with Valerie Simpson as the songwriting team Ashford & Simpson. Born in New York City to parents from Barbados, Ashford's love for music began early. He started playing piano at the age of four and formed his first band, The Sputnics, while still in high school. Ashford met Valerie Simpson in 1964, and they soon formed a songwriting partnership that would span over five decades. Their first big break came when they wrote "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. This song was followed by numerous hits for other artists such as Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, and Chaka Khan. In 1974, Ashford & Simpson released their debut album "Nicky-Loa" under their own label, Berthesca Records. Their self-titled sophomore album in 1975 was a significant success, with the hit single "Send It". They continued to produce hits throughout the '70s and '80s, including "Your Precious Love," "It Seems to Hang On," and "Found a Cure." Ashford & Simpson were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In addition to their songwriting, they also produced records for many artists, including Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. Ashford's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nickolas Ashford passed away in 2011 due to throat cancer. His legacy continues to live on through his timeless music, which remains a significant part of American pop culture.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"You don't miss your water until the well runs dry."

The quote "You don't miss your water until the well runs dry" is a metaphorical expression that emphasizes the importance of appreciating something when you still have it, as opposed to only realizing its value after it's gone. In essence, it encourages us to cherish and be grateful for what we have in life, rather than taking things for granted.

"Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough, to keep me from you."

This quote emphasizes an unwavering love and commitment, suggesting that no obstacle, whether geographical (mountains, valleys, rivers) or emotional (personal struggles), can separate the speaker from their loved one. It implies a deep and enduring bond between two people, where distance, hardship, or any other challenge is insignificant compared to the depth of their love for each other.

"Love is a many splendored thing."

The quote "Love is a many splendored thing" by Nickolas Ashford emphasizes that love is not just simple or ordinary, but rather it's a complex, beautiful, and magnificent experience. It suggests that the feeling of love encompasses a myriad of wonderful qualities that are worthy of admiration and respect. This poetic phrase underscores the depth, complexity, and beauty found within human relationships and emotional bonds.

"It's only love if it hurts."

The quote by Nickolas Ashford, "It's only love if it hurts," suggests that genuine love can bring intense emotions, including pain or discomfort. This interpretation implies that true love is often complex and may involve challenges, heartache, or deep feelings of vulnerability, which can sometimes feel like a form of suffering, yet ultimately prove transformative and enduring. The quote emphasizes the emotional depth and power of authentic love, as opposed to superficial or fleeting affections.

"You can't hurry love; it takes the time that it takes."

The quote "You can't hurry love; it takes the time that it takes" by Nickolas Ashford emphasizes the importance of patience in cultivating deep, meaningful relationships. It suggests that love develops organically over time, rather than being forced or rushed. This wisdom encourages individuals to appreciate the journey and not rush through it, understanding that the investment of time and effort will ultimately foster a stronger connection.

I needed real help in New York and I had no friends. I looked up at those buildings, I couldn't see the sky or nothing, and I said, 'Well, there ain't no mountain high enough,' and I just started - the words just fell out of my mouth, really.

- Nickolas Ashford

Out, Needed, Had, No Friends

I would just sweat so much. I'd be dry when I run on the stage. By the time I got in front of the microphone, it just, just like a river pouring out. I don't know what made that happen. It took five years for that to stop happening to me.

- Nickolas Ashford

Run, Got, By The Time, Pouring

But I also think it's up to the fan base to call in the radio stations and demand that the more mature artists be played as well.

- Nickolas Ashford

Think, More, Mature, Base

I think I can see people wanting to hear more music-music now as opposed to all hip-hop. You know, which I have nothing against hip-hop. I think some of it is really good. But on the other hand, some of the real great artists are just being lost because they're not getting the airplay or anything to make them inspired to record again.

- Nickolas Ashford

Some, Other, Wanting, Hip-Hop

I've always loved the blues, ever since I was a kid. It has a depth to it that a lot of contemporary music doesn't have. It has pain and suffering in it, but funny stories, too. And it is built on storytelling, which is something I really love.

- Nickolas Ashford

Love, Storytelling, Kid, Contemporary Music

We call 'Ain't No Mountain' the golden egg that landed us at Motown.

- Nickolas Ashford

Mountain, Egg, Call, Motown

It's quite different, the kind of love you get in a smaller club and the kind of love you get on a big proscenium stage. It's quite different. I like both of them, but I'm in love with the smaller, intimate club.

- Nickolas Ashford

Love, Big, Smaller, Love You

You move differently than you do when you're filling the stage at Radio City. You have to be bigger than life there.

- Nickolas Ashford

Stage, Differently, Move, Filling

So you can have your program, but you also have to be ready to change it immediately because there are certain kinds of people who like certain kinds of songs and they like - some people want to dance when you come out, some people just want to be intimate with you. So you kind of feel your way through a show.

- Nickolas Ashford

Through, Some, Show, Immediately

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