Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist, widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century. Born in 1933 in North Carolina, Simone started her music career as a classical pianist before moving on to jazz, blues, and soul music. She became known for her unique style of music, which blended her virtuosic piano playing with her soulful and expressive vocals.
Simone’s music was deeply influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, with many of her songs addressing issues of racial inequality and social injustice. Some of her most famous tracks include “I Put a Spell on You,” “Feeling Good,” and “Sinnerman.” Her music also covered a wide range of other genres, including gospel, folk, and pop.
Simone’s activism was also a prominent part of her life, with her using her platform to speak out against racism and injustice. She was a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, and her music became an anthem for many who fought for equality and justice.
Despite her untimely death in 2003, Simone’s legacy lives on through her timeless music, which continues to inspire and influence artists today. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizing her immense contributions to music and activism.
1. I Ain’t Got No / I’ve Got Life
“I Ain’t Got No / I’ve Got Life” is a medley of two songs by Nina Simone, released in 1968. It’s a soulful and upbeat track, featuring Simone’s powerful and emotive vocals accompanied by a driving rhythm section and horn arrangements. The song’s lyrics address the themes of poverty and hardship, with the “I Ain’t Got No” section listing various material possessions that Simone doesn’t have, while the “I’ve Got Life” section celebrates the joys of life and the simple things that bring happiness. The song became a hit for Simone, reaching the top 10 in the UK charts and becoming a signature track of her career.
2. Four Women
“Four Women” is a powerful and poignant song by the iconic American singer and civil rights activist, Nina Simone. Released in 1966, the song tells the stories of four Black women, each with a different skin color and social status, and the struggles they face in a society that oppresses them. With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, “Four Women” captures the pain and injustice of racial discrimination and gender inequality, and serves as a powerful protest against the systemic racism and violence that continues to plague society today. It is a timeless anthem for the struggle for equality and social justice.
3. Feeling Good
“Feeling Good” is a soulful jazz standard by Nina Simone, released in 1965. The song features Simone’s powerful vocals over a lively jazz arrangement, with horns, strings, and percussion adding to the upbeat sound. The lyrics describe a newfound sense of freedom and positivity, with Simone exclaiming that “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me.” “Feeling Good” has become a classic anthem of self-empowerment and hope, and Simone’s emotive performance has made it one of her most iconic tracks. The song’s uplifting melody and inspiring lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today.
4. I Put a Spell On You
“I Put a Spell On You” is a sultry and hypnotic song by the legendary American singer and civil rights activist, Nina Simone. Originally written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956, Simone’s version features her trademark smoky voice and a jazz-infused arrangement that perfectly captures the song’s seductive and mysterious atmosphere. The lyrics describe the power of love to captivate and enchant, with the singer declaring that she has “put a spell” on her lover. With its sultry vibe and powerful vocal performance, “I Put a Spell On You” became one of Simone’s most popular songs and remains a classic of the jazz and blues genres.
5. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a song by Nina Simone, released in 1964. It’s a soulful and bluesy track, featuring Simone’s powerful vocals accompanied by lush string arrangements and a haunting melody. The song’s lyrics address the feeling of being misunderstood and judged unfairly, with Simone pleading for her true intentions to be recognized. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” became a hit for Simone, and has since been covered by numerous other artists, including The Animals and Elvis Costello. The song remains a classic example of Simone’s ability to convey deep emotions and experiences through her music.
6. Sinnerman
“Sinnerman” is a haunting gospel-infused track by Nina Simone, released in 1965. The song features Simone’s emotive vocals over a dramatic piano arrangement, with choir vocals and percussion building up to a climactic finale. The lyrics describe a sinner running from judgment, with Simone imploring them to repent and turn to God. “Sinnerman” is a powerful meditation on sin, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. The song’s intense arrangement and Simone’s passionate delivery have made it a standout in her discography and a classic in the gospel and soul genres.
7. Suzanne
“Suzanne” is a poignant and intimate song by the legendary American singer and civil rights activist, Nina Simone. Originally written by Leonard Cohen, Simone’s version features her distinctive piano playing and a heartfelt vocal performance that perfectly captures the song’s bittersweet tone. The lyrics describe the relationship between the narrator and Suzanne, a woman who embodies the beauty and complexity of life. With its raw emotion and haunting melody, “Suzanne” is a powerful example of Simone’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music. It is a timeless tribute to the beauty and fragility of human connection.
8. My Baby Just Cares For Me
“My Baby Just Cares For Me” is a classic jazz standard by Nina Simone, released in 1958. It’s a romantic and upbeat track, featuring Simone’s smooth and sultry vocals accompanied by a swinging jazz ensemble. The song’s lyrics celebrate the simple pleasures of love, with Simone singing of the joy her partner brings to her life. Despite not achieving commercial success upon its initial release, the song gained popularity in the 1980s after being featured in a television commercial, becoming one of Simone’s most famous and beloved tracks. “My Baby Just Cares For Me” remains a timeless classic of jazz and blues music.
9. Mississippi Goddam
“Mississippi Goddam” is a powerful protest song by Nina Simone, released in 1964. The song features Simone’s passionate vocals over a simple piano arrangement, with powerful lyrics that condemn the racism and violence of the American South during the Civil Rights Movement. The lyrics describe the outrage and frustration felt by many Black Americans, and demand action and change. “Mississippi Goddam” is a call to arms for social justice, and Simone’s impassioned delivery and fearless message have made it an enduring anthem of resistance. The song’s importance as a musical and political statement continues to resonate today.
10. I Loves You, Porgy
“I Loves You, Porgy” is a classic jazz ballad by Nina Simone, released in 1958. It’s a haunting and emotive track, featuring Simone’s tender and heartfelt vocals accompanied by sparse piano arrangements. The song’s lyrics express the longing and devotion of a woman for her lover, with Simone conveying a sense of vulnerability and intimacy through her singing. “I Loves You, Porgy” became a signature track of Simone’s early career, and has since been covered by many other artists. The song remains a classic example of Simone’s ability to convey deep emotions and experiences through her music.
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.
