Valerie Simpson (b. 8/26/46) was born in the Bronx, New York City, Valerie Simpson learned to play the piano by ear by the time she was five. Ray Simpson, lead vocalist for the Village People, is her brother.
A warm, quiet multi-faceted avatar of gospel-influenced, sophisticated romantic soul music, Valerie Simpson was, in the words of Berry Gordy, “a pint-sized ball of dynamite, especially when working in the studio…”
Official website: no official website. Wilson and Alroy’s Record Reviews
Tao Talk 
I especially like the quote by her, too. It is also true of poetry. Probably any art.
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I agree, just like a poem.
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For sure, Melissa. Forcing it is one side of the brain trying to control the other side. When they are balanced it’s what makes magic happen.
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Such a great voice. I think it is great in “Silly” how she has all of these little laughs, yet she seems on the verge of tears.
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Trent that is a great performance. I like the other one too, where she is the core of energy on the stage.
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Yes, both great performances. With energy like that, yeah, there ain’t no mountain, etc., etc….
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I only knew Valerie Simpson as part of the duo with her husband Nickolas Ashford, so it was nice seeing a post on her as a solo artist. I love that clip from David Letterman, which also nicely illustrates Valerie’s piano chops! Apparently, she’s still alive and should now be 78.
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Christian, like you, I didn’t know she had a solo career outside of the Ashford-Simpson duo. And yes on her piano chops!
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Wow…she has a beautiful voice, skilled musician, AND is beautiful…the whole package. I didn’t know she had a solo career at all.
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Yes, she is a whole package of talent, and beauty to boot. I didn’t either until I started putting the post together.
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This is why I love this month on your site. I bet many people don’t know.
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<3
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In other words…thanks for doing it!
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You’re welcome and my honor.
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Like most people, I know her from her work with her husband as part of Ashford and Simpson, but it’s nice to know she has her own career. (K)
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Same here, K. She had/has courage to continue after losing her husband and musical partner.
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So moving. Two things I’ve always wanted to do: stand-up and to be able to sing. Maybe the next go round… :)
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Hey Stacey! How are you doing? I can do both but not well enough to get in front of crowd. Yeppers on maybe next go round.
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I knew a little of Ashford and Simpson, but did not know Valerie also had a solo career. Lovely voice. Thank you for featuring her. I’m looking forward to catching this series through the month.
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Steve, I learn so much every time I put the posts together. It’s abbreviated in details from previous years, but enough for a taste of their music.
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It’s true, there’s so much information to be found (and shared) about music and musicians. One of the fun parts about blogging.
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That’s cool, though. Who needs a crowd anyway. Please yourself!
Doing fine, Li. Thanks. I hope it’s the same for you. I’m SO behind in my blog reading. I really can’t keep up, lol
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Have you submitted your story yet?? I’m just finishing mine and plan on emailing it tonight.
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OMG, Li! I had no idea you made the time to do the contest!! Rad, woman!! lol
No, I haven’t written a story. I didn’t do last year either. But if he continues doing this for the next couple of years at least, I hope to get at least ONE in there. I’m terrible! I’m the opposite of a prolific writer. What is that? Delific? lol Sub-lific. Nonlific. It’s okay to pity me, lol But congrats to you and your endless energy and creative output. :)
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<3 You missed my Major Wane from November through February (ongoing recovery from rancid cheeto) but Max kicked me in the butt for Women Music March. Looking forward to reading the stories that have sprung forth from the prompts.
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