Happy Birthday to Valerie Simpson (born August 26, 1946), half of the husband and wife singing/performing and songwriting-production team Ashford & Simpson. In 1996, Nick opened the Sugar Bar in New York, which is co-owned by Valerie. The Sugar Bar features fine cuisine and Live entertainment, and is the Hot Spot for many celebrities. Since Nick's death, Val has cotinued to perform. She released a new solo album in June 2012, called 'Dinosaurs Are Coming Back Again', that also features the last recorded performance of Nina Simone, a duet with Roberta Flack, and an instrumental version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". In 2014, Val made a guest appearance on the title track to Kindred the Family Soul's album "A Couple Friends."