Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, has died at age 70. His longtime friend and former publicist Liz Rosenberg told The Associated Press that Ashford _ who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits _ died Monday in a New York City hospital. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment.

Among the songs Ashford & Simpson penned are "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "You're All I Need To Get By" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand."

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.