First of four podcasts behind the making of Studio Rio Presents the Brazilian Connection.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog

“I look cool but on the inside I’m a nervous wreck” – Nick Ashford.  As they began their career as performers, Nick and Valerie found some challenges in appearing on stage, as Nick details in this podcast.  “In the early years, I was just uncomfortable.  They would put towels around me I’d sweat so much before I’d even go on.”  But they also found they enjoyed meeting most anyone could help with songwriting, as Nick explains “I get inspiration from the people I meet.  Seems like everybody’s got a story.  What people are feeling, that’s what we want to write about.”  Their longevity and success may be built on this simple idea, and may be why President Barack Obama has a special version of one of their songs.  As Nick says, “You can do it, if you have the energy and the will to do it.”

Songs included: “Found A Cure” “I’m Every Woman” “Solid (as Barack)”

Producer: Joyride Media

Recommended: Ashford & Simpson: The Real Thing

The story of Bill Withers continues with the artist, himself, thinking back to the the making of his debut album.   The record was produced by legendary R&B keyboardist Booker T Jones.  In an odd twist, the backing band was most of the Booker T & the MGs, but with Steven Stills subbing for Steve Cropper.  The combination was perfect for Bill Wither’s acoustic soul.  Critic Anthony DeCurtis adds some of his own insights about these sessions.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog

Nick and Valerie describe their years as songwriters with Motown, and the moment when they asked Berry Gordy for a “divorce,” so they could become artists themselves.  It turned out to be the best of both worlds, as they would frequently return to work with various Motown artists, while continuing to grow as performers themselves.  Valerie Simpson maintains a generous point of view on writing for others: “I wear the hat of a songwriter when I’m writing.  That’s the idea — for some great artist to sing your song.  I’m really happy when I hear Diana Ross sing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — I could not have done that better!”  Reflecting on the countless covers of that most famous composition, she says, “the song belongs to everyone.”Songs included:  “I’m Every Woman” “Your Precious Love” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand”

Producer: Joyride Media

Recommended: Ashford & Simpson: The Real Thing

The music of Bill Withers can definitely speak for itself as a timeless collection of songs, perfect for 1971 with it’s mix of gritty southern R&B, introspective and politically charged lyrics, and even a touch of Woodstock hippie vibes.   But his debut album, “Just as I Am” has a very underrated role in the history of landmark albums by DIY artists who circumvented the major label system.   Bill discusses how he was put off by the LA star machine and wound up landing at Clarence Avant’s startup indie label, Sussex Records.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog

For part 2, Ashford and Simpson discuss how they first got introduced at Motown.   They almost ran out before the meeting started, so thank got they stuck around.   This piece includes bits of Nickolas and Valerie’s own performances of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need to Get By” from their new live CD/DVD release The Real Thing.

Producer: Joyride Media

Every Friday in February, find out why Bill Withers is just as he is.  In a rare interview, Bill discusses his career as a groundbreaking singer/songwriter.  He mostly focuses on his 1971 debut “Just as I am” – a classic album that features hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Grandma’s Hands.”  His low-key mix of folk, funk and gospel is evident on those two hits and throughout the album.

Producer: Joyride Media

Reccomended: Bill Withers catalog