This list assumes, of course, that you already have a computer. You don't need the fastest computer to record and mix music, but it should be reasonably fast. Anything with a Core i- or even Core 2-series processor should do the trick. Just don't use a netbook.
Ashford & Simpson also had success writing for themselves: Perhaps the best-known song they sang was the 1980s hit Solid As A Rock.. His music is unmatched in terms of great songwriting, Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire said after learning of his friend's death.
His best-known composition as Calhoun was  Shake, Rattle and Roll . The song was first recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1954 for Atlantic and was a major hit for the rhythm and blues artist, often cited as one of the first rock and roll records.An even bigger success was a cover version of the song recorded later in 1954 for Decca Records by Bill Haley & His Comets. Elvis Presley performed Stone's Shake, Rattle and Roll and Flip, Flop and Fly in a medley on the January 28, 1956 broadcast of the Dorsey Brothers Stage Show. 2  He also recorded Money Honey in 1956 and Like a Baby in 1960.