Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist. She was known for her unique voice and style, which blended elements of jazz, blues, classical, and folk music.
Simone began her music career as a classical pianist, but she later transitioned to singing and performing in jazz clubs. She gained fame in the late 1950s and 1960s with songs like “I Loves You, Porgy,” “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” and “Feeling Good.” Her music often addressed social and political issues, and she became known as the “High Priestess of Soul” for her passionate and powerful performances.
In addition to her music, Simone was also active in the civil rights movement. She wrote and performed songs that addressed racism and injustice, including “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” She was friends with civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and she used her platform to advocate for change.
Nina Simone’s music and activism had a lasting impact on American culture. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 and is remembered as one of the greatest singers of her generation.
1. Young, Gifted and Black
“Young, Gifted and Black” is a powerful anthem by Nina Simone, released in 1970 as the title track of her album of the same name. Written by prolific songwriter Weldon Irvine and based on a composition by Nina’s close friend Lorraine Hansberry, the song celebrates Black pride, resilience, and excellence.
With Nina’s commanding voice and passionate delivery, “Young, Gifted and Black” became an anthem of empowerment during the Civil Rights Movement. The lyrics exude a sense of pride and determination, acknowledging the challenges faced by Black individuals while affirming their inherent worth and talent.
Musically, the song is characterized by its soulful melody, accompanied by Nina’s expressive piano playing. The arrangement builds in intensity, mirroring the song’s message of strength and resilience.
“Young, Gifted and Black” remains one of Nina Simone’s most iconic and enduring songs, inspiring generations of listeners with its message of self-affirmation and pride in Black identity. It continues to resonate as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
2. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a soulful anthem originally recorded by Nina Simone in 1964. Written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus, the song expresses the fear of being misunderstood in love and life.
Nina Simone’s rendition is characterized by her emotive vocals and passionate delivery, which convey a deep sense of vulnerability and longing. The song’s haunting melody and sparse instrumentation, often featuring piano and strings, add to its emotional impact.
Simone’s interpretation of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” became a signature song for her, showcasing her ability to infuse raw emotion into her performances. The song’s themes of yearning and self-expression have resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless classic in the realm of soul and blues music.
3. To Be Young, Gifted and Black
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is a song by Nina Simone, released in 1969 on her album *Black Gold*. The song was written by Simone in collaboration with Weldon Irvine and is considered an anthem of the civil rights movement.
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is a powerful and uplifting song that celebrates African American identity and resilience. The lyrics reflect on the beauty and strength of black culture and the importance of embracing one’s heritage. The title of the song comes from a play by Lorraine Hansberry, the author of “A Raisin in the Sun,” and reflects the themes of pride and empowerment that are central to the song.
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became one of Nina Simone’s signature songs and a rallying cry for the civil rights movement. The song’s message of empowerment and self-affirmation resonated with listeners, and it has since been covered by many artists.
Nina Simone’s rendition of “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is known for its soulful vocals and powerful delivery. The song’s message of pride and resilience continues to inspire listeners today.
4. Feeling Good
“Feeling Good” is a song written by English composers Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the musical *The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd*, which premiered in 1964. The song’s original Broadway performance was by Cy Grant.
Nina Simone’s version of “Feeling Good” is one of the most famous and acclaimed. She recorded it for her 1965 album *I Put a Spell on You*. Simone’s rendition is notable for its powerful and soulful vocals, backed by an orchestral arrangement. Her version of “Feeling Good” has been widely praised for its emotional depth and intensity.
“Feeling Good” has since become a jazz standard and has been covered by numerous artists in various styles. The song’s lyrics, which express a sense of freedom and empowerment, have resonated with listeners and made it a popular choice for performances and recordings. Nina Simone’s version, in particular, is often regarded as definitive and is considered one of her signature songs.
5. Sinnerman
“Sinnerman” is a traditional spiritual song that has been recorded by various artists over the years, but one of the most famous versions is by Nina Simone. Her rendition, released on her 1965 album “Pastel Blues,” is particularly renowned for its powerful and dynamic interpretation.
The song’s lyrics depict a sinner trying to evade divine punishment, with a sense of urgency and desperation permeating the narrative. It’s structured as a call-and-response format, with Simone’s commanding vocals leading the way.
Musically, Simone’s version of “Sinnerman” is characterized by its energetic piano riff, pulsating rhythm, and gospel-inspired arrangement. It builds gradually in intensity, with Simone’s vocals soaring to dramatic heights as the song progresses.
Simone’s rendition of “Sinnerman” is widely regarded as one of her most electrifying performances, showcasing her vocal prowess and ability to convey a wide range of emotions. The song has since become a staple of her repertoire and a classic in the realm of soul and jazz music.
6. I Put a Spell on You
“I Put a Spell on You” is a song originally written and performed by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956. The song is known for its raw and intense vocal delivery, along with its eerie and seductive lyrics.
Nina Simone recorded a cover of “I Put a Spell on You” for her 1965 album of the same name. Simone’s version of the song is slower and more soulful than the original, with a haunting and atmospheric arrangement. Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery give the song a new depth and intensity.
Simone’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” has become one of her most iconic songs. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, and has been covered by many artists. Simone’s version is often regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of the song, showcasing her unique talent and style.
7. My Baby Just Cares for Me
“My Baby Just Cares for Me” is a jazz standard with music written by Walter Donaldson and lyrics by Gus Kahn. While it was originally recorded by Eddie Cantor in 1930, it gained widespread popularity through Nina Simone’s rendition.
Nina Simone’s version of “My Baby Just Cares for Me” was recorded in 1958 and released on her debut album, “Little Girl Blue.” The song features Simone’s signature sultry vocals accompanied by a swinging jazz arrangement, including piano, bass, and drums.
Simone’s interpretation of the song exudes charm and sophistication, with her rich, expressive voice bringing the lyrics to life. The song’s playful melody and catchy chorus make it an enduring favorite among jazz enthusiasts.
Despite initially receiving limited attention upon its release, “My Baby Just Cares for Me” gained widespread acclaim in the 1980s when it was featured in a Chanel No. 5 perfume commercial. Since then, it has become one of Nina Simone’s most iconic songs, celebrated for its timeless appeal and Simone’s captivating performance.
8. I Loves You, Porgy
“I Loves You, Porgy” is a song from the opera *Porgy and Bess* by George Gershwin, with lyrics by DuBose Heyward. It was first performed in 1935 and has since become a jazz standard, with many artists recording their own versions.
Nina Simone recorded a version of “I Loves You, Porgy” for her debut album, *Little Girl Blue*, released in 1958. Simone’s rendition of the song is notable for its soulful and emotive vocals, which convey the longing and vulnerability of the song’s lyrics. Her version helped introduce the song to a wider audience and remains one of the most popular interpretations of the song.
“I Loves You, Porgy” is a poignant and heartfelt ballad that explores themes of love, longing, and acceptance. Simone’s powerful performance and the song’s beautiful melody have made it a classic of the jazz and blues genres.
9. Mississippi Goddam
“Mississippi Goddam” is a powerful protest song by Nina Simone, released in 1964. Written in response to the racial injustices and violence that plagued the American South during the Civil Rights Movement, the song captures the anger, frustration, and defiance of the era.
In “Mississippi Goddam,” Nina Simone addresses the horrific murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers in Mississippi and the bombing of a church in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young African American girls. The song condemns the systemic racism and violence perpetrated against Black Americans, while also expressing the urgency for change and justice.
Musically, “Mississippi Goddam” features a lively jazz and gospel-inspired arrangement, with Simone’s impassioned vocals driving the song’s emotional intensity. The song’s chorus, with its powerful refrain of “Mississippi Goddam,” became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement.
“Mississippi Goddam” remains one of Nina Simone’s most iconic and enduring songs, celebrated for its fearless condemnation of racial injustice and its role in inspiring social change. It stands as a testament to Simone’s activism and her commitment to using her music as a force for liberation and empowerment.
10. Four Women
“Four Women” is a song by Nina Simone, released in 1966 on her album *Wild Is the Wind*. The song was written by Simone and addresses the experiences of four African American women, each representing a different stereotype or archetype.
The four women in the song are named Aunt Sarah, Saffronia, Sweet Thing, and Peaches. Each woman’s story reflects a different aspect of the African American experience, including racism, colorism, and sexism. The song’s lyrics are powerful and confrontational, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength and resilience of black women.
“Four Women” is known for its haunting melody and Simone’s emotive vocals. The song has been praised for its lyrical depth and social commentary, and it has since become one of Simone’s most iconic songs. It remains a powerful and poignant reflection on race, gender, and identity.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
