Ashford & Simpson: Right On Time And Releasing Barack Obama Remix

There is good reason why they are called "oldies but goodies."

Just ask Ashford & Simpson, who continue to stand the test of time with their infectious modern R&B standards -- nearly 45 years since their first big hit.

The dynamic duo has crafted an inventive remix of their 25-year-old hit song, 'Solid (As A Rock)'; this go round, refashioned into what could be a new anthem, titled 'Solid (As Barack).'A tribute to President Barack Obama, the catchy ode was released digitally on Jan. 20 – the same historic day he was inaugurated as the first African American President of the United States of America.

The hit-making husband and wife team (who is well into their 60s) premiered the song on 'Larry King Live' during the inauguration weekend. That's where it was revealed that the demand for the remix has been overwhelming since a recent airing of a version of the song on 'Saturday Night Live,' which was performed by the comedic cast of the series.

This new version, complete with expanded lyrics for the entire song, is a reverential tribute to Obama.

As many know; a who's who of big-named music acts including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson The Supremes, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige have recorded songs by the hit-making duo.

Even last year's top Grammy Award winner Amy Winehouse gave them props; the single 'Tears Dry On Their Own' (from her 'Back to Black' album) is based on Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1967 Motown classic hit 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough.'

They, themselves, have had a string of hits including 'It Seems To Hang On,' 'High-Rise,' 'Street Corner,' 'Found A Cure,' 'Is it Still Good To You' and 'Send It,' among others.

And on Jan. 27, Burgundy Records/Sony will release a definitive collection of their greatest hits titled 'The Real Thing.' It's the very first-ever live in-concert audio and video recordings of performances by the duo.

Now that you see what Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson are up to, check out the amazing Now & Then stories of Motown's biggest stars below.

2008 Deaths

Odetta Holmes
"The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.

Ray Tamarra , Getty

Bernie Mac
Comedian, Actor
Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.

Isaac Hayes
Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008

Reuters

Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.

Reuters

Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.

Shakir Stewart
The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.

Getty

George Carlin
Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008

Getty Images

Madelyn Dunham
Barack Obama's grandmother
October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.

Getty Images

Levi Stubbs
Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.

Corbis

Dee Dee Warwick
Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.

Corbis