There are many singer-songwriter teams out there whose music has become part of American culture, despite that the artists themselves have not become household names.  One rhythm and blues partnership that some may feel fit this category is that of Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson.  Not only did they write many iconic songs for other artists and create quality albums together - recording sixteen albums between 1973 and 2009 - but they were married, and stayed married for 47 years.  Their partnership ended in 2011, only after the death of Ashford. The couple met in 1964, while attending the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, New York City. Having written for famous artists before Ray Charles, it was their songs "Let's Go Get Stoned" and "I Don't Need No Doctor" that brought them to the attention of Motown Records.  There, famed Motown chief Berry Gordy had them write for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.  Songs including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" got them national attention, and they released many albums in their own right as well.  1984's Solid included the title track, "Solid (As A Rock)," which was about the strength of a relationship despite the challenges couples have to overcome.  It proved the most popular song they recorded together.  In 2009, they re-recorded it, changing the lyrics to complement the 'new' title:  "Solid (As Barack)" in support of the 44th President of the United States.