Homage to Nina Simone (1965) by Bob ThompsonMinneapolis Institute of Art
Nina Simone is one of the world's all-time greatest musicians. Her work spanned a huge range of genres including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop.
Tap to explore
Born in North Carolina in 1933, Simone began playing the piano at the age of just three or four. Growing into her talent, Simone had her first US hit with a cover of George Gershwin’s 'I Love You, Porgy' in 1959.
1965j by National Voting Rights MuseumNational Voting Rights Museum and Institute
Throughout her career, Simone faced numerous challenges in her life, including racism and mental health issues. These struggles were often reflected in her lyrics, something that made them even more personal and even more powerful. Here are five of her most enduring quotes.
Nina Simone, Mississippi Goddam (1964-03-21)Carnegie Hall
1. Mississippi Goddam
You don't have to live next to me, Just give me my equality
Released in 1964, Mississippi Goddam was Simone’s response to the racist murders of Emmett Till and Medgar Evers, both of whom died in Mississippi. Written in under an hour, it was Simone’s first civil rights song.
Nina Simone (2017) by Russell YoungThe Mint Museum
2. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
You know sometimes, baby I'm so carefree, Oh, with a joy that's hard to hide, And then sometimes again it seems that all I have is worry, And then you're bound to see my other side
Simone was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the late 1980s. These lyrics, from one of her most famous songs, describe some of the challenges she faced.
Xcessory Freex: Nina Simone by Sabrina (Clauetta) HowardMuseum of Science and Industry, Chicago
3. Feeling Good
Stars when you shine, You know how I feel, Scent of the pine, You know how I feel, Oh, freedom is mine, And I know how I feel
Simone recorded the song for her 1965 album I Put a Spell on You. It’s been covered by numerous artists from Sammy Davis Jr. to George Michael.
Nina Simone (1964-10-18) by Getty Images. Used by permission.SFJAZZ Center
4. Young, Gifted and Black
How to be young, gifted and black? Oh, how I long to know the truth, There are times when I look back, And I am haunted by my youth
Written in 1969, the song was a tribute to Simone’s friend Lorraine Hansberry, author of the play A Raisin in the Sun, who had died in 1965.
Wall of Respect (1967) by Darryl CowherdSchomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library
During her life, Nina Simone made numerous studio and live albums. Her songs are some of the most powerful ever written and performed and she remains one of the most influential singers of the 20th century.
