Nickolas Ashford was born in Fairfield, South Carolina and raised in Ypsilanti (Willow Run), Michigan. His father, Calvin, worked as a construction worker in Willow Run. He began his musical journey at the Willow Run Baptist Church, where he started singing and writing songs for the gospel choir.

After a brief stint at Eastern Michigan University, Ashford moved to New York to pursue his dream. Despite initial struggles, he met Valerie Simpson at a church in Harlem while he was homeless. Together, they began writing songs, marking the start of a legendary partnership.

During his later years, Ashford battled throat cancer. He was hospitalized for treatment but sadly passed away on August 22, 2011, at the age of 70. His death, announced by his former publicist, came just days before his wife's birthday, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him.