Introduction

Strong, brilliant, resilient, and talented are some words that can be used to describe the personality of a woman who, despite the adverse conditions surrounding her, managed to leave a legacy and become one of the most enduring sources of inspiration in the world of jazz and R&B, as well as in female empowerment.  

This is Eunice Kathleen Waymon, better known as Nina Simone, the High Priestess of Soul; a singer, pianist, and a renowned activist who fought for the civil rights of African Americans and women of color in an era and a country where racism was relentless.  

Biography of Nina Simone

Her real name was Eunice Kathleen Waymon, but at the age of 20, she adopted an artistic pseudonym inspired by the Spanish pronunciation of the word “niña” (as her partner at the time used to call her) and the last name of a famous French actress. 

She was born on February 21, 1933 in North Carolina, USA, specifically in Tryon, a small town located in Polk County; since childhood, she had to endure the unpleasant effects of racism, which led her to a lifelong fight as an activist for the rights of people of color. 

Her Musical Beginnings and Artistic Education

She began playing the piano at age 2, and over time, joined her church choir. At 12, she gave her first public performance, displaying great character, strength, and determination—traits that would take her far. 

She had the opportunity to receive formal education at the prestigious Juilliard School, located in Lincoln Center (New York). However, her humble roots prevented her from achieving one of her dreams: to be the first Black woman to perform piano concerts. Years later, she was rejected from the Curtis Institute of Music, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she attempted to earn a scholarship. 

These experiences led her to leave classical music and turn to soul, a term used at the time for “African American music,” and she began her journey in a club in Atlantic City, where she stood out for her majestic contralto voice. 

Her Personal Life

This renowned singer and African American musician did not have an easy personal life. 

She was married to Andy Stroud, a police officer she met early in her career as a singer. He proclaimed himself her manager, controlling, abusing, mistreating, and financially ruining her, to the point of making her a fugitive for tax evasion. 

From this marriage, a daughter was born, named Lisa Stroud, who later changed her name to Lisa Simone in honor of her mother. 

In the late seventies, she was romantically involved with Errol Barrow, the Prime Minister of Barbados, where she sought refuge from the legal and political persecution of her country. 

Additionally, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and manic-depressive disorder in the early 1990s, conditions that, without a doubt, significantly influenced her passionate and temperamental nature, as well as her personal life.   

Nina Simone: A Legacy that Lives On 

Her last musical appearance was in 2002, in Poland; Nina Simone died on April 21, 2003 at the age of 70, in Carry-le-Rouet (France), one night while sleeping after fighting a battle with cancer.

However, thanks to her impactful musical career and the efforts of her daughter and granddaughter, her legacy remains, and in 2018 she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Musical Influences

Nina Simone often spoke about Duke Ellington, better known as “The Duke of Jazz”, an American musician dedicated to piano composition and performance, with over 50 years in music. His influence can be seen in all her musical works, especially in her improvised compositions and her style of piano playing that defined her sound.  

Additionally, Nina Simone’s works are known for the influence of Marian Anderson, one of the most prominent singers and civil rights activists of her time. She was a musical inspiration and a life model for Nina and for many African American artists of the era. 

Important Collaborators

Nina Simone’s main collaborator was the well-known guitarist Al Schackman, who handled musical arrangements from 1957 until the new millennium, accompanied her on stage, and directed her performances. 

The two met at a live performance in Pennsylvania, where they agreed to play together at the audience's request, feeling an extraordinary chemistry that they decided to continue. 

Additionally, she collaborated with her daughter, Lisa Simone, for the “Guinness Blues” Festival of 1999, held in Dublin (Ireland). 

Discography

Her years in music produced 44 albums, including studio works, live recordings, compilations, and additional albums: 

1. Little Girl Blue (1958)
2. Nina Simone And Her Friends (1959)
3. The Amazing Nina Simone (1959)
4. Nina Simone At Town Hall (1959)
5. Nina Simone At Newport (1960)
6. Forbidden Fruit (1960)
7. Nina At The Village Gate (1962)
8. Nina Simone Sings Ellington (1962)
9. Nina’s Choice (1963)
10. Nina Simone At Carnegie Hall (1963)
11. Folksy Nina (1964)
12. Nina Simone In Concert (1964)
13. Broadway-Blues-Ballads (1964)
14. I Put A Spell On You (1965)
15. Pastel Blues (1965)
16. Nina Simone With Strings (1966)
17. Let It All Out (1966)
18. Wild Is The Wind (1966)
19. High Priestess Of Soul (1967)
20. Nina Simone Sings The Blues (1967)
21. Silk & Soul (1967)
22. Nuff Said (1968)
23. Nina Simone And Piano (1968)
24. To Love Somebody (1969)
25. A Very Rare Evening (1969)
26. Black Gold (1970)
27. Here Comes The Sun (1971)
28. Emergency Ward (1972)
29. It Is Finished (1974)
30. Baltimore (1978)
31. The Rising Sun Collection (1980)
32. Fodder On My Wings (1982)
33. Nina’s Back (1985)
34. Live & Kickin (1985)
35. Let It Be Me (1987)
36. Live At Ronnie Scott's (1987)
37. A Single Woman (1993)
38. Gold Studio Remastered (2003)
39. Nina Simone’s Finest Hour (2004)
40. The Soul of Nina Simone (2005)
41. The Very Best of Nina Simone (2006)
42. Remixed and Reimagined (2006)
43. Watchmen Soundtrack (2009)
44. “Lyberian Calypso“ (2020)

Famous Songs

Among the most prominent songs of this jazz and R&B artist is her version of the single “I Love You Porgy”, originally performed by George Gershwin. This was her most famous song, reaching the Top 40 in North America and giving her exposure in Europe. 

Additionally, “My Baby Just Cares for Me”, launched her to global fame after being used in an international perfume ad campaign. Years later, after composing and performing many songs with civil and social meaning related to racial issues, she gained further attention with her version of the classic song “House of the Rising Sun”.

Listen to Nina Simone on Jazz Messengers Music

At Jazz Messengers Music, we offer the best discographic productions of Nina Simone, one of the most famous Jazz musicians worldwide. 

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy her music on our online sales platform and bring home a piece of musical history.