Sadly the music industry has lost yet another legend tonight.? Nickolas Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, passed away earlier today at the age 70.

According to Access Hollywood, Ashford’s longtime friend and former publicist Liz Rosenberg told The Associated Press that Ashford died Monday (August 22, 2011) in a New York City hospital.

He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment.

Ashford, along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown?s biggest hits, among them are ?Ain?t No Mountain High Enough,? ‘?You?re All I Need To Get By,? “Solid” and ?Reach Out And Touch Somebody?s Hand.?

Ashford is survived by his wife, Valerie Simpson and two daughters.

VIDEO: “Solid” ~ Ashford & Simpson (LIVE PERFORMANCE)

VIDEO: Ain’t No Mountain ~ Ashford & Simpson

VIDEO: Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand ~ Ashford & Simpson

R.I.P. Nickolas “Nick” Ashford (May 4, 1942 ~ August 22, 2011)