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I try (and sometimes fail) to avoid using the word "legendary" in these posts, because it's pretty much overused to the point that it doesn't mean much anymore.
However, in highlighting "Solid:" today's Great Song of 1985, the word applies to the married couple who wrote and sang it: Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson.
It seems that one day, Nick was walking around New York City, he kept hearing young people using the word "Solid" as a slang term for "excellent," "reliable," and "of high quality."
Nick thought it truly applied to his relationship with Valerie. They'd been partners for years, and married since 1974. As couple, they were--well--SOLID.
Valerie obviously agreed, and together they wrote the song.
Although they wrote many of their best songs for other artists, (especially at Motown) this time, they felt if was so personal, they should keep it for themselves.
And it was the right choice.
"Solid" was released in September of 1984, and it slowly gained steam all over the world. By early 1985, it had charted in 14 countries, including the US, where it topped Billboard's Black Singles Chart, and reached #12 on the Hot 100.
It was a SOLID hit...and their partnership/marriage remained solid until Nick sadly passed away from throat cancer in 2011. He was 70.
"Solid" by Ashford & Simpson: a Great Song of the '80s! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3PoTnkLfxE
Tomorrow: Boston's #1.
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