Spinner http://www.spinner.com Spinner http://www.spinner.com/media/feedlogo.gif Spinner http://www.spinner.com en-us Copyright 2013 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this headlines and excerpts feed are available for limited commercial distribution. You may repost this feed to your site provided you link back to the original story, do not edit the material, and do not remove this copyright notice. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ CeeLo Green Accused of Sexual Assault http://www.spinner.com/2012/10/31/ceelo-green-sexual-assault/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/10/31/ceelo-green-sexual-assault/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/10/31/ceelo-green-sexual-assault/#comments

Victoria Will/Invision/AP

CeeLo Green seems to be the picture of positive career moves recently, with the upcoming release of his Christmas album, CeeLo's Magic Moment, and his judging position on "The Voice." However, accusations of sexual battery are tarnishing his name.

The Atlanta native is at the center of a sexual battery investigation being conducted by the LAPD. The female victim, whose identity is being withheld, filed a police report with law enforcement officials, accusing CeeLo of assaulting her in a sexual manner. ]]> cee locee lo greencee lo green sexual batterycee lo sexual assualtcee lo sexual batterycee-lo greenCee-loGreenCeeLoCeeLoGreenCeeLoGreenSexualBatteryCeeLoSexualAssualtCeeLoSexualBattery Georgette Cline 2012-10-31T11:45:00 00:00 Drake 'Commanding' New Aaliyah Album With Producer 40 http://www.spinner.com/2012/08/09/drake-aaliyah-album/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/08/09/drake-aaliyah-album/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/08/09/drake-aaliyah-album/#comments Filed under: ,


Getty Images | WireImage

Earlier this week, a new Aaliyah song titled "Enough Said" debuted featuring refreshing vocals from the late singer paired with a verse from rapper Drake. While the track had fans celebrating the songstress' voice on fresh material and critics berating Drizzy's involvement, there was one thing that could not be denied: people were excited about the prospect of a forthcoming Aaliyah album, which is rumored to be in the works.

Now Drake is officially speaking on the project and clearing up some doubts and questions. "People should be really excited," the Toronto native told Much Music. "People thought ['Enough Said'] was my single; it's not my single. It's all off of an Aaliyah project that me and 40 are commanding and 40's just doing some incredible, some incredible music right now." ]]> 40aaliyahaaliyah new albumaaliyah new album drakeAaliyahNewAlbumAaliyahNewAlbumDrakedrakedrake aaliyah albumDrakeAaliyahAlbummissy elliottMissyElliotttimbaland Georgette Cline 2012-08-09T14:30:00 00:00 Frank Ocean Performs 'Bad Religion' on 'Jimmy Fallon,' Debuts 'Channel Orange' LP http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/10/frank-ocean-fallon-video/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/10/frank-ocean-fallon-video/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/10/frank-ocean-fallon-video/#comments Filed under: ,


Getty Images for Coachella

With a title like "Bad Religion," it's no surprise Frank Ocean had a church organ commence his performance of the track on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" Monday night (July 10).

Wearing his signature red-and-white bandana and a white T-shirt covered by a maroon-and-black coat, the Odd Future affiliate made his first televised showcase of the song, which appears on his Def Jam debut LP, Channel Orange.

"Taxi driver, be my shrink for the hour/ Leave the meter running, it's rush hour/ So take the streets if you wanna/ Just outrun the demons, could you," he crooned onstage. ]]> bad religionBadReligionchannel orange albumChannelOrangeAlbumfrank oceanfrank ocean bad religionfrank ocean bad religion jimmy fallonfrank ocean channel orange albumfrank ocean jimmy fallonfrank ocean late night with jimmy fallonFrankOceanFrankOceanBadReligionFrankOceanBadReligionJimmyFallonFrankOceanChannelOrangeAlbumFrankOceanJimmyFallonFrankOceanLateNightWithJimmyFallonOdd Future Georgette Cline 2012-07-10T11:09:00 00:00 Frank Ocean Admits Love for a Man Following Gay Rumors, No Longer Has 'Secrets' http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/04/frank-ocean-gay/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/04/frank-ocean-gay/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/07/04/frank-ocean-gay/#comments Filed under: ,


Getty Images for Coachella

Frank Ocean chose Independence Day (July 4) to finally be "free." The "Swim Good" crooner wrote a touching letter following rumors about his sexuality, where he revealed that his first love was a man.

The 24-year-old recently held listening sessions for his debut LP Channel Orange in New York City and London. As a result, some of the lyrics presented on the album caused listeners to question whether the singer was in fact detailing a relationship with a man. Ocean took to his Tumblr page to address the speculation.

"4 summers ago, I met somebody [sic]," the New Orleans native wrote. "I was 19 years old. He was too... Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless... It was my first love, It changed my life." ]]> channel orange albumChannelOrangeAlbumearl sweatshirtEarlSweatshirtfrank oceanfrank ocean channel orange albumfrank ocean gayfrank ocean odd futurefrank ocean sexualityFrankOceanFrankOceanChannelOrangeAlbumFrankOceanGayFrankOceanOddFutureFrankOceanSexualityodd futureOddFuturetyler the creatorTylerTheCreator Georgette Cline 2012-07-04T11:05:00 00:00 A$AP Rocky Wants to Have Sex With Lana Del Rey, Calls Singer a 'Genius' http://www.spinner.com/2012/06/28/asap-rocky-lana-del-rey-sex/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/06/28/asap-rocky-lana-del-rey-sex/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/06/28/asap-rocky-lana-del-rey-sex/#comments Filed under: ,


Lana Del Rey, ASAP RockyYouTube

A$AP Rocky appeared as a "trill" JFK in Lana Del Rey's "National Anthem" video, serving up PDA with the singer in numerous scenes that probably left Iggy Azalea's heart broken. The Harlem rapper obviously has the hots for his onscreen lady and admitted to wanting to take her to bed.

In an interview with Noisey, A$AP, 23, discussed his role in the visuals and his crush on the 26-year-old classic beauty. "Lana wrote the treatment with me in mind," he stated. "She wanted me to be the lead guy. Shit is like, everybody knows we got a thing for each other and we wanted to show that on screen." ]]> asap rockyasap rocky lana del reyasap rocky lana del rey sexAsapRockyAsapRockyLanaDelReyAsapRockyLanaDelReySexlana del reylana del rey national anthem videoLanaDelReyLanaDelReyNationalAnthemVideonational anthem videoNationalAnthemVideo Georgette Cline 2012-06-28T14:08:00 00:00 Stevie Wonder, Extortion Plot: Singer at Center of Incest Allegations http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/11/stevie-wonder-extortion-plot/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/11/stevie-wonder-extortion-plot/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/11/stevie-wonder-extortion-plot/#comments

Stevie WonderGetty Images

Stevie Wonder's name was close to being tarnished as a result of a man claiming he was the singer's nephew, born out of an incestuous relationship Wonder allegedly had with his sister. However, the accusations are false and the man has since been arrested and charged with attempting to extort the "I Just Called to Say I Love You" creator.

TMZ reports Alpha Lorenzo Walker threatened Wonder, telling him he would go to the tabloids with the story unless he was paid a large sum -- he originally demanded $5 million then lowered the amount to $10,000 -- to keep quiet. ]]> Georgette Cline 2012-05-11T17:30:00 00:00 Adam Yauch Dead: Beastie Boys' MCA Dies at 47 After Cancer Battle http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/04/adam-yauch-dead-MCA-beastie-boys/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/04/adam-yauch-dead-MCA-beastie-boys/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/05/04/adam-yauch-dead-MCA-beastie-boys/#comments Filed under: ,


Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys, dead at 47Fred Duval, FilmMagic

Famed hip-hop trio the Beastie Boys are mourning the loss of their brother-in-rhyme Adam "MCA" Yauch, who died May 4 after a battle with cancer, according to TMZ. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native was 47.

On July 20, 2009, Yauch announced he had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his parotid gland. As a result of the disease, the Beastie Boys had postponed all tour dates and pushed back the release of their eighth studio album, originally titled Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 1, which was later released and titled Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 2. ]]> adam yauchadam yauch beastie boysadam yauch canceradam yauch deadadam yauch diedadam yauch diesadam yauch photosAdamYauchbeastie boy Adam Yauchbeastie boy MCABeastie Boysbeastie boys adam yauchBeastie Boys MCAbeastie boys photosbeastieboysMCA beastie boysMCA deadMCA diesRIP adam yauchRIP MCA Georgette Cline 2012-05-04T13:01:00 00:00 Drake Club Paradise Tour Details: MC Talks 'Ever-Evolving' Stage, 2 Chainz Collabo http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/24/drake-club-paradise-tour-details/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/24/drake-club-paradise-tour-details/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/24/drake-club-paradise-tour-details/#comments Filed under: ,


Universal

Drake is currently overseas preparing to perform his final Club Paradise show in the U.K. Wednesday (April 25). Once he wraps his set, the Toronto native has exactly 12 days until the second leg of his U.S. tour begins, where buzzing rappers like J. Cole, 2 Chainz, French Montana, Waka Flocka Flame and Meek Mill join the bill. Drake spoke via conference call about the new show and the surprises he has in store for fans, which includes an "ever-evolving" stage that changes with each act and performing a new song with 2 Chainz.

Before speaking on the upcoming tour dates, the Take Care MC took a moment to reflect on the performances he's accomplished to-date.

"Club Paradise has been something that I've crafted, it's like a meeting place for fans of the music that I've put out to really see the songs come alive," Drake shares. "We started with a college run with two very exciting artists, A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar, and Chase N. Cashe from L.A., who opened up first. That was the best tour I had been on. We came over to Europe and we did U.K. and a Scandinavian run, which was essentially bringing that same college show minus A$AP and Kendrick because their buzz is growing so big that they had other obligations like Coachella. ]]> 2 chainz2Chainzclub paradise tourClubParadiseTourdrakedrake club paradise tourDrakeClubParadiseTourj. coleJ.Colemeek millMeekMillrita oraRitaOratinie tempahTinieTempahwaka flocka flameWakaFlockaFlame Georgette Cline 2012-04-24T17:00:00 00:00 Whitney Houston Final Autopsy Report: Drug Spoon, Cocaine Found in Hotel Room http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/04/whitney-houston-final-autopsy-report/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/04/whitney-houston-final-autopsy-report/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/04/whitney-houston-final-autopsy-report/#comments Filed under:


AP

Last month, an autopsy report revealed that Whitney Houston died Feb. 11 due to "drowning and effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use," according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office. Now a final autopsy report shows that a "spoon with a white crystal-like substance on it" and a "white powdery substance" were also found in the Beverly Hilton hotel room where the singer passed away.

TMZ reports that a rolled up piece of paper was found near the spoon, used to hold the drugs later identified as cocaine. The complete autopsy report details that a portable mirror on a base was also discovered in a top drawer inside the hotel room, beside remnants of a white powdery substance.

In addition, the autopsy report states, "[Whitney] possibly overdosed on a narcotic substance, prescription medications, over the counter medications and alcohol." Her body was discovered face down in the hotel room bath tub with a "bloody purge coming from her nose." ]]> autopsy reportAutopsyReportdrug spoonDrugSpoonwhitney houstonwhitney houston autopsywhitney houston cocainewhitney houston deadwhitney houston drug spoonwhitney houston final autopsy reportWhitneyHoustonWhitneyHoustonAutopsyWhitneyHoustonCocaineWhitneyHoustonDeadWhitneyHoustonDrugSpoonWhitneyHoustonFinalAutopsyReport Georgette Cline 2012-04-04T18:18:00 00:00 Odd Future 'NY (Ned Flander)' Video: Tyler, the Creator Is a Diaper-Wearing Baby http://www.spinner.com/2012/03/06/odd-future-ny-ned-flander-video/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/03/06/odd-future-ny-ned-flander-video/ http://www.spinner.com/2012/03/06/odd-future-ny-ned-flander-video/#comments Filed under:


YouTube.com

Odd Future return with another set of disturbing visuals for their latest video, 'NY (Ned Flander),' which was directed by Wolf Haley, otherwise known as Tyler, the Creator, who celebrates his 21st birthday today (March 6).

The ringleader of OFWGKTA steps back from the starring role as Hodgy Beats opens the clip, serving as someone who we'll assume is Ned Flander. Beats' character is a pudgy, bald man with a mustache and a penchant for pill-popping. His live-in lover, who serves as Tyler's mom -- yes, he transforms into a diaper-wearing baby -- screams in his face while speaking Spanish and attempts to stuff a sandwich he's eating even further down his throat. ]]> ny ned flander videoNyNedFlanderVideoodd futureodd future ny ned flander vidoOddFutureOddFutureNyNedFlanderVido Georgette Cline 2012-03-06T17:15:00 00:00 Magic Johnson, Homophobia in Hip-Hop: Partners With Rappers http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/29/magic-johnson-homophobia-hip-hop/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/29/magic-johnson-homophobia-hip-hop/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/29/magic-johnson-homophobia-hip-hop/#comments Filed under:


Ray Amati, National Basketball Association

Magic Johnson is addressing an issue that tends to get thrown to the wayside when it comes to hip-hop: homophobia. The NBA superstar, who's been living with HIV since 1991, recently spoke with Huffington Post Canada about his mission to educate the black community about HIV and AIDS and the new project he's about to unveil that has rap stars rallying behind him.

A hip-hop fan himself, Johnson admits that homophobia is still an issue within the genre and in the black community, with men and women "scared to talk about it," which heightens the spread of the disease. How's he working towards battling the cold shoulder given towards gays in the hip-hop world? Johnson's creating a new campaign that enlists the help of rappers using their voice to educate communities about HIV and AIDS. ]]> aidship-hopHIVhomophobiahomophobia in hip-hopHomophobiaInHip-hopmagic johnsonMagicJohnson Georgette Cline 2011-12-29T14:30:00 00:00 Heavy D Cause of Death: Died of Pulmonary Embolism http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/27/heavy-d-cause-of-death-died-of-pulmonary-embolism/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/27/heavy-d-cause-of-death-died-of-pulmonary-embolism/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/27/heavy-d-cause-of-death-died-of-pulmonary-embolism/#comments Filed under:


Ben Rose, WireImage

Since Heavy D passed away on Nov. 8 at Cedars-Sinai Medial Center in Los Angeles, questions surrounding the 'Nuttin' But Love' creator's death immediately arose. Friends, fans and family members of the deceased rapper are getting their answers today, as his cause of death was released.

The 44-year-old 'Now That We Found Love' performer died from a pulmonary embolism caused by deep leg vein thrombosis, TMZ reports. The tabloid website received the details from the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

His death was classified as "natural," which indicates that no foul play was involved. Besides the pulmonary embolism -- a blockage of one or more arteries in the lungs most often caused by blood clots that travel in from other parts of he body -- Heavy D suffered from heart disease. ]]> cause of deathCauseOfDeathheavy dheavy d cause of deathheavy d deathheavy d diedHeavyD Georgette Cline 2011-12-27T14:40:00 00:00 Etta James Using Breathing Machine in California Hospital http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/26/etta-james-breathing-machine/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/26/etta-james-breathing-machine/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/12/26/etta-james-breathing-machine/#comments Filed under:


Johnny Nunez, WireImage

Legendary singer Etta James currently sits in a Los Angeles hospital, using a breathing machine to keep her alive.

The 73-year-old 'At Last' songstress, who made headlines Dec. 16 when news broke that her leukemia diagnosis was incurable, was taken to a care center near her home in Riverside, Calif., last week according to her manager, Lupe De-Leon. James had been struggling to breathe, according to Reuters.

"They took her to the hospital," De-Leon revealed. "She was having trouble breathing, so they intubated her. She is on a breathing machine and is resting." ]]> Etta Jamesetta james illetta james leukemiaetta james terminally illEttaJamesEttaJamesIllEttaJamesLeukemiaEttaJamesTerminallyIll Georgette Cline 2011-12-26T09:30:00 00:00 Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation Under Fire for Allegedly Misusing Funds http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/28/wyclef-jean-yele-haiti-foundation/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/28/wyclef-jean-yele-haiti-foundation/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/28/wyclef-jean-yele-haiti-foundation/#comments Filed under:


Jerritt Clark, WireImage

Wyclef Jean is coming under fire for a recent report that shows his Yele Haiti Foundation has spending practices that did little to help victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

The New York Post reports that the 42-year-old rapper-singer's organization earned $16 million in 2010, as a result of donations given to the company to aid earthquake victims. However, less than a third of the profits went to recovery efforts -- just $5.1 million of that money was used for emergency relief efforts -- and a Miami, Fla.-based "food distributor" titled Amisphere Farm Labor Inc., which doesn't seem to exist, received $1,008,000 in funds for services reportedly not linked to helping Haitian victims.

Amsterly Pierre, owner of Amisphere Farm Labor Inc., apparently bought three properties in Florida last year, including a condo in an upscale waterfront community. His business address is actually an auto-repair shop in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, and an employee for the shop revealed that he wasn't familiar with Pierre nor his company. ]]> FugeeshaitiWyclef Jeanwyclef jean yeleWyclefJeanYele Haitiyele haiti foundation Georgette Cline 2011-11-28T16:00:00 00:00 Michele Bachmann: Roots' 'Fallon' Incident Was Sexist http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/23/michele-bachmann-roots-fallon/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/23/michele-bachmann-roots-fallon/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/23/michele-bachmann-roots-fallon/#comments Filed under: ,


Jason Kempin/NBCUniversal, Getty Images | Jamie McCarthy, WireImage

The Roots got themselves involved in a bit of a scandal this week when they chose to perform Fishbone's 'Lyin Ass Bitch' as Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann walked onstage to sit down with Jimmy Fallon on 'Late Night.' Now Bachmann is speaking out about the incident, which she didn't even realize was taking place as she made her way on to the set.

"I think the point is if that had been Michelle Obama who had come out on the stage, and if that song had been played for Michelle Obama, I have no doubt that NBC would have apologized to her and likely they could have fired the drummer, at least suspended him, none of that happened from NBC and this is clearly a form of bias on the part of the Hollywood entertainment elite but it's also I think it's sexism as well," she told Fox News' 'America's Newsroom.' ]]> Fishbonejimmy fallonJimmyFallonmichele bachmannMicheleBachmannquestloveRootsroots michele bachmannthe rootsthe roots fallonTheRoots Georgette Cline 2011-11-23T16:00:00 00:00 Odd Future Deny Slapping Female Photographer, Festival Apologizes to Media http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/01/odd-future-photographer-assault/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/01/odd-future-photographer-assault/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/11/01/odd-future-photographer-assault/#comments Filed under: , ,


Skip Bolen, WireImage

Odd Future are widely recognized for their onstage antics -- Tyler, the Creator leaping from a second floor balcony during a CMJ performance at New York City's Terminal 5 last month among them. However, when a photographer claims one of the rap group's member's slapped her in the face while on set at New Orleans' Voodoo Experience Sunday (Oct. 30), there's no entertainment value in that.

Apparently Tyler, supported by his group members, shared his disdain for photographers while standing before the crowd, stating that the media pit set up in front of the stage was unfair for fans who had paid to see OFWGKTA perform.

OF rapper Left Brain was the one who reportedly became physical with the photographers in the pit area, slinging water at them, pushing and kicking cameras and shouting obscenities. Photographer Amy Harris was allegedly slapped by Left Brain as a result of his wild behavior. ]]> Left BrainOdd FutureOdd Future Slap PhotographerOddFuturethe CreatorTyler Georgette Cline 2011-11-01T10:49:00 00:00 Amy Winehouse's Family to Be Interviewed by Anderson Cooper http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/06/amy-winehouse-family-anderson-cooper/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/06/amy-winehouse-family-anderson-cooper/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/09/06/amy-winehouse-family-anderson-cooper/#comments Filed under: ,


AP

Amy Winehouse may be gone but her story still lives on through the family she left behind after her untimely death on July 23. In the first interview since her death, Winehouse's family will sit down with journalist Anderson Cooper for his new weekly syndicated talk show, 'Anderson,' which will premiere on Sept. 12.

Cooper will hold a conversation with Winehouse's father, Mitch, mother, Janis, brother, Alex and her boyfriend, Reg Traviss. Though details of the interview have not been revealed, a discussion about the troubled singer's battle with drugs and alcohol will surely be the main topic.

On July 23, 2011, the 'Back to Black' songstress was found dead in her London home. Numerous reports suggested her cause of death was due to alcohol withdrawal, and, the family released the results of Winehouse's toxicology tests last month. At the time of her death, no illegal drugs were present in her system. ]]> Amy WinehouseAmyWinehouse Georgette Cline 2011-09-06T17:00:00 00:00 Tyler, the Creator Wins Best New Artist at 2011 MTV VMAs http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/28/tyler-the-creator-wins-best-new-artist-at-2011-mtv-vmas/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/28/tyler-the-creator-wins-best-new-artist-at-2011-mtv-vmas/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/28/tyler-the-creator-wins-best-new-artist-at-2011-mtv-vmas/#comments Filed under: ,


Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images

Odd Future's frontman Tyler, the Creator didn't pull out the hysterics and wild antics during his acceptance speech, but instead decided to keep it a little less dramatic as he accepted the Moonman for Best New Artist.

The 'Yonkers' creator walked onstage with his rap crew, after his mother showed added enthusiasm by jumping in the air and yelling out congratulations for her son. From Foster the People with 'Pumped Up Kicks,' Wiz Khalifa for 'Black and Yellow,' Big Sean featuring Chris Brown in 'My Last' and Kreayshawn for 'Gucci Gucci,' Tyler snagged one of the most coveted nods of the night. ]]> Odd Future Georgette Cline 2011-08-28T23:40:00 00:00 Michael Jackson Fashion Evolution: 25 Iconic Looks http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/26/michael-jackson-fashion-evolution-25-iconic-looks/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/26/michael-jackson-fashion-evolution-25-iconic-looks/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/26/michael-jackson-fashion-evolution-25-iconic-looks/#comments

Getty Images

Some call his style choices avant-garde, others call them a tour de force. Whatever word Michael Jackson's fans used to define him during his celebrated career, it was never boring.

Mon., Aug. 29 marks what would have been the King of Pop's 53rd birthday. To commemorate the gift he bestowed upon us, serving up soulfully powerful vocals, poignant lyrics and stellar dance moves, our friends at the The BoomBox took a look at his collection of fashions over the years, all in honor of his born day.

From his work as a burgeoning force with the Jackson 5 to his acclaim as a solo act, the 'Thriller' creator never once faltered in dressing for any occasion. His tour gear -- outer bodysuits and elbow pads included -- always proved to be ahead of the curve and his red carpet appearances -- full of glitter and gold -- were a topic of conversation for those who didn't even consider themselves to be immersed in the fashion spectrum. ]]> birthdaydeathmichael jacksonMichaelJacksonthriller Georgette Cline 2011-08-26T17:20:00 00:00 Nick Ashford, Motown Songwriter of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough,' Dead at 69 http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/23/nick-ashford-and-simpson-dies/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/23/nick-ashford-and-simpson-dies/ http://www.spinner.com/2011/08/23/nick-ashford-and-simpson-dies/#comments Filed under: ,


Getty Images

Nick Ashford, one-half of legendary Motown Records songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, died Monday (Aug. 22) in a New York City hospital at the age of 69.

The acclaimed songwriter, who teamed with wife Valerie Simpson to pen hits like Chaka Khan's 'I'm Every Woman' and 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' -- a song made famous by soul powerhouses Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell and Diana Ross -- was suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, according to longtime friend and former publicist Liz Rosenberg, who revealed the news to the Associated Press.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie and two daughters. ]]> ashford simpsonashford and simpsonAshfordAndSimpsonAshfordSimpsondeaddiesmotownmotown recordsMotownRecordsNick AshfordNickAshfordvalerie simpsonValerieSimpson Georgette Cline 2011-08-23T09:20:00 00:00