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.
Most country singles were released in advance of the International Country Music Festival for artists who were performing on the tour. It took five releases of Stand By Your Man to make it a hit. After the original UK release in 1969, Wynette's label, CBS, issued it again in 1971, 1973, and 1974. They tried for the fifth time on February 21, 1975, and strangely, the song made its way to #1 on May 11 and stayed there for three weeks.