Mayor presents music legend Valerie Simpson with key to the city during St. Albans jazz festival

Mayor Eric Adams presents Valerie Simpson with a Key to the City during the St. Albans Jazz and R&B Festival on Sunday.

Photo by Caroline Rubinstein-Willis/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Eric Adams presented music legend Valerie Simpson with a key to the city to kick off the 22nd annual St. Albans Jazz and Rhythm & Blues Festival on Sunday, July 16, at Archie Spigner Park.

The Bronx-born singer, songwriter and producer was honored for her 50 years of contributions to and influence on music history. Alongside her late husband Nickolas Ashford, who first met her at age 17 while she was singing at Harlem’s White Rock Baptist Church, the couple became world-famous as Ashford & Simpson in Berry Gordon’s Motown galaxy that included stars such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Jackson 5.

Together, Ashford & Simpson rose to national fame after writing Ray Charles’ ‘Let’s Go Get Stones” in 1964, which reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. They went on to perform their own songs, such as “Solid” and “Found a Cure,” as well as collaborate with music legends Ben E. King, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Quincy Jones. The duo also wrote Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and Diana Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” as well as “I’m Every Woman” for Chaka Khan’s 1978 debut album, which was performed by Whitney Houston more than a decade later.

“For more than 50 years, Valerie Simpson has been the heart of R&B in New York City and the nation. Every note in her songs has been infused with the love and the soul of the city,” Adams said. “Valerie’s works have been performed by some of the most legendary artists of our time, but her songs will remain timeless. I am honored to present Valerie Simpson with a key to the city of New York, and I know that her music will be loved by generations to come.”

Ashford & Simpson were…