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.
On February 24th 1968, Cry Like A Baby by the Box Tops entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #60; and on April 21st it peaked at #2 (for 2 weeks) and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100 (and for 6 of those 15 weeks it was on the Top 10)...