Motown hit-maker and Bronx native Nick Ashford died at 70 yesterday after a prolonged battle with throat cancer, his publicist said.

One-half of the legendary songwriting duo Ashford and (Valerie) Simpson, he penned chart toppers for the likes of Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan and Diana Ross.

And songwriter Jerry Lieber, the man behind hits including “Hound Dog,” “Yakety Yak” and “Stand By Me” also died from a heart attack, at age 78 yesterday in Los Angeles.