Nick Ashford has died at age 70. The legend was part of the Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson.

The late Ashford's former publicist Liz Rosenberg told the Associated Press that the singer-songwriter died Monday in a New York City hospital. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment.

The writer, along with wife Valerie Simpson, stood behind some of Motown's biggest hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "You're All I Need To Get By" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand."

Ashford is survived by his wife and two daughters.

(Photo: Shawn Ehlers/WireImage)