The composer, who along with his wife Valerie Simpson penned hits including Ain't No Mountain High Enough, was being treated for cancer.

The couple, who were married for 36 years, also wrote tracks including You're All I Need To Get By, I'm Every Woman and Solid (As A Rock) and were inducted into the Songwriters Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ashford and Simpson are also credited as co-writers on Amy Winehouse's track, Tears Dry On Their Own, ...