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.
In 1955 an artist by the name of Kit Carson charted with a song called Band of Gold, it was a completely different song. It was Carson's only record to ever make the Top 100, and poor Kit just missed making the Top Ten, for the record peaked at #11, but it did stay in the Top 100 for 22 weeks!!! Barry-Sauquoit, Ny.