Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 21, 1933 in Tryon, NC

Death

:

April 21, 2003 in Carry-le-Rouet, France

 

Nina Simone was a renowned American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. She was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina. Simone was the sixth of eight children born to Mary Kate Waymon, a Methodist minister, and John Divine Waymon, a handyman and barber. Simone's parents were poor, and she grew up in a segregated community where racism was rampant. Simone's love for music began at an early age. She started playing the piano when she was three years old, and her talent was quickly recognized by her family and community. Simone's mother worked hard to provide her with piano lessons, and Simone's talent continued to grow. She was a prodigious student, and by the time she was 12, she was playing piano at her mother's church. Simone's musical education continued when she attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. She was awarded a scholarship to study classical piano, but her dreams of becoming a concert pianist were shattered when she was denied admission to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia because of her race. Simone was devastated by the rejection, but she continued to pursue her passion for music. Simone began performing in nightclubs in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to make ends meet. She changed her name to Nina Simone to hide her performances from her mother, who disapproved of her playing "the devil's music." Simone's performances were a hit, and she quickly gained a following. She was known for her powerful voice, unique style, and ability to blend different genres of music. Simone's first album, "Little Girl Blue," was released in 1958. The album featured her signature song, "My Baby Just Cares for Me," which became a hit in Europe. Simone's music was a blend of jazz, blues, and classical music, and her lyrics often addressed social and political issues. She became known as the "High Priestess of Soul" and was a trailblazer for African American women in the music industry. Simone's music was heavily influenced by the civil rights movement. She became an outspoken advocate for racial equality and used her music to raise awareness about social and political issues. Simone's song "Mississippi Goddam" was a response to the murder of Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The song became an anthem for the civil rights movement and was banned in several southern states. Simone's activism and outspokenness often put her at odds with the music industry. She was known for her temperamental behavior and was often difficult to work with. Despite this, Simone continued to produce music that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Her albums "Wild Is the Wind" and "Silk & Soul" were both nominated for Grammy Awards. Simone's music continued to evolve throughout her career. She experimented with different genres of music, including rock, funk, and gospel. Her album "To Love Somebody" featured covers of songs by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and the Bee Gees. Simone's version of "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles became one of her most popular songs. Simone's personal life was often tumultuous. She was married twice and had a daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, who became a singer and actress. Simone struggled with mental health issues throughout her life and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the 1980s. She also struggled with addiction and financial problems.

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