Maggie's Farm

I had the pleasure of attending a small charity gathering last night for a good mental health cause at which Ashford and Simpson performed.

Ashford told the story of how the "dumbest, simplest song" he ever wrote (Let's Go Get Stoned) got picked up by Ray Charles, which set their songwriting career into high gear. He also talked about what it was like to present new songs to Berry Gordy with Smokey Robinson in front of you in the line. Daunting.

They had a funky Motown-style band with a couple of back-up singers. They did "Solid," "High Rise," "Let's Go Get Stoned," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and a lot more. Nothing they didn't write.

They have been married for 32 years and are humble, obviously grateful, and likeable folks. Their performance of Solid was much more powerful than this one.