We were softened up quite a bit earlier today with the news that Jerry Leiber has died. But now comes word that Nickolas Ashford of Ashford & Simpson has also left us.

That's way too much to absorb all at once.

No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
So let's stay together

So long, Nick, and heaven rest your soul.

We'll get a proper tribute up later.