Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, was a trailblazing American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. With a unique style that seamlessly blended elements of jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music, Simone left an indelible mark on the music world.
Her powerful, contralto voice, coupled with her unparalleled ability to convey emotion through her music, made her an iconic figure in the 20th century. Simone’s repertoire included a wide range of genres, from soulful ballads like “Feeling Good” and “I Put a Spell on You” to protest anthems like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.”
Beyond her musical contributions, Simone was a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. She used her platform to address issues of racial inequality and injustice, becoming an influential figure in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
Nina Simone’s legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and activists alike, solidifying her status as one of the most influential and important figures in the history of music and social change.
1. Young, Gifted and Black
“Young, Gifted and Black” is a powerful anthem by Nina Simone, released in 1969. Originally written by Weldon Irvine and Nina Simone herself, the song celebrates black identity and resilience, urging listeners to embrace their heritage and talents despite societal obstacles. With its uplifting melody and empowering lyrics, “Young, Gifted and Black” became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement and a symbol of black pride and empowerment. Nina Simone’s impassioned vocals and the song’s timeless message have cemented its status as a classic, inspiring generations of activists and musicians alike.
2. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a soulful and introspective song famously performed by Nina Simone. Originally written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus, it was first recorded by Simone in 1964 for her album “Broadway-Blues-Ballads.” The song has since become one of her signature tunes.
Simone’s rendition of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is characterized by her passionate and emotive delivery, backed by lush arrangements that blend elements of jazz, blues, and soul. The lyrics express the fear of being misunderstood and the desire for acceptance and empathy from others.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Nina Simone’s version remains the most iconic, capturing the essence of the human experience with its raw emotion and vulnerability. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” stands as a testament to Simone’s ability to infuse meaning and depth into her music, resonating with audiences across generations.
3. To Be Young, Gifted and Black
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is a seminal anthem by Nina Simone, released in 1969. Written by Simone herself in collaboration with Weldon Irvine, the song is a celebration of black identity, resilience, and pride. It draws inspiration from the play of the same name by Lorraine Hansberry, who was a close friend of Simone.
The lyrics of “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” speak to the struggles and triumphs of being young and black in a society marked by racial inequality and injustice. The song urges listeners to embrace their heritage, talents, and potential, emphasizing the importance of self-love, empowerment, and solidarity within the black community.
Nina Simone’s impassioned vocals and the song’s stirring melody have made “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” a timeless anthem of empowerment and resilience. It remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice, inspiring generations of activists and artists around the world.
4. Feeling Good
“Feeling Good” is a classic song performed by Nina Simone, originally written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd” in 1964. Nina Simone’s rendition, released in 1965 on her album “I Put a Spell on You,” is perhaps the most famous version of the song.
Simone’s powerful and soulful vocals, combined with the song’s triumphant lyrics and lush orchestration, create a captivating and uplifting experience for listeners. “Feeling Good” has since become a jazz standard and has been covered by numerous artists in various genres. The song’s message of liberation and empowerment has resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless classic.
5. Sinnerman
“Sinnerman” is a traditional spiritual song that has been performed by various artists over the years, but one of the most iconic versions is by Nina Simone. Simone’s rendition, featured on her 1965 album “Pastel Blues,” is particularly renowned for its intense energy and emotional depth.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a sinner desperately seeking salvation and redemption from God, as he tries to escape the wrath of judgment day. It’s a powerful and evocative narrative that explores themes of sin, repentance, and the human condition.
Simone’s performance of “Sinnerman” is characterized by her dynamic vocals, accompanied by driving rhythms and dramatic piano flourishes. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, reaching a climactic crescendo that reflects the urgency and desperation of the lyrics.
“Sinnerman” has since become one of Nina Simone’s most famous and enduring songs, revered for its raw emotion and spiritual resonance. It continues to captivate audiences with its haunting melody and timeless message of redemption.
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. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Nina Simone. Simone’s version, released in 1965 on her album of the same name, is a soulful and haunting rendition that showcases her powerful vocals and unique style.
Simone’s interpretation of “I Put a Spell on You” is characterized by its raw emotion and intense delivery. The song’s lyrics, which speak of love, obsession, and longing, are brought to life by Simone’s impassioned performance. The combination of her soulful voice and the song’s bluesy melody creates a captivating and unforgettable listening experience.
Simone’s version of “I Put a Spell on You” has become one of her most iconic songs and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. It remains a classic example of her talent and artistry, showcasing her ability to infuse a song with depth, emotion, and soul.
7. My Baby Just Cares for Me
“My Baby Just Cares for Me” is a jazz standard written by Walter Donaldson with lyrics by Gus Kahn. It was originally featured in the 1930 musical comedy “Whoopee!” and has since become a jazz standard, recorded by numerous artists. One of the most famous versions was recorded by Nina Simone in 1958 for her debut album, “Little Girl Blue.”
Nina Simone’s rendition of “My Baby Just Cares for Me” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, swinging rhythm, and Simone’s soulful vocals. The song features a lively piano accompaniment, which showcases Simone’s skills as a pianist. The lyrics describe a lover who is indifferent to material possessions but deeply cares for their partner, expressing a sentiment of true love and devotion.
Although “My Baby Just Cares for Me” was not a major hit when it was first released, it experienced a resurgence in popularity in the mid-1980s when it was used in a popular advertising campaign for Chanel No. 5 perfume. Since then, it has become one of Nina Simone’s most well-known songs and a beloved jazz standard.
8. I Loves You, Porgy
“I Loves You, Porgy” is a poignant and soulful jazz standard famously performed by Nina Simone. The song was composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward for the opera “Porgy and Bess.” Nina Simone’s rendition, featured on her debut album “Little Girl Blue” in 1958, is widely regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of the song.
“I Loves You, Porgy” is a tender love ballad in which the protagonist, Bess, expresses her affection for Porgy and her desire to stay with him despite the challenges they face. Simone’s emotive vocals and delicate piano accompaniment convey a sense of vulnerability and longing that resonates deeply with listeners.
Simone’s rendition of “I Loves You, Porgy” helped popularize the song and introduced it to a wider audience outside of the opera world. Her soulful interpretation captures the essence of the song’s bittersweet sentiment, making it a timeless classic in the realm of jazz and popular music.
9. Mississippi Goddam
“Mississippi Goddam” is a song written and performed by Nina Simone in 1964. The song was written in response to the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young African American girls. “Mississippi Goddam” is a powerful protest song that addresses the racial inequality and violence faced by African Americans during the civil rights movement.
The lyrics of “Mississippi Goddam” are direct and confrontational, with Simone expressing anger and frustration at the injustices faced by African Americans. The song’s title is a play on words, combining the name of the state of Mississippi with the expletive “goddamn,” and reflects Simone’s feelings of outrage and defiance. The song features a lively jazz arrangement, with Simone’s passionate vocals driving home the song’s powerful message.
“Mississippi Goddam” became an anthem of the civil rights movement and a rallying cry for those fighting against racial injustice. It remains one of Nina Simone’s most iconic songs, known for its fearless and unapologetic condemnation of racism and oppression.
10. Four Women
“Four Women” is a powerful and thought-provoking song by Nina Simone, featured on her 1966 album “Wild is the Wind.” Written by Simone herself, the song explores the lives and experiences of four African American women, each representing different archetypes and struggles within the black community.
The lyrics of “Four Women” introduce the characters of Aunt Sarah, Saffronia, Sweet Thing, and Peaches, each with their own distinct personalities and narratives. Through their stories, the song delves into themes of racial identity, beauty standards, societal oppression, and resilience.
Simone’s haunting vocals and minimalist piano accompaniment lend an air of intimacy and intensity to the song, emphasizing the raw emotion and depth of the lyrics. “Four Women” is a poignant and evocative portrayal of the complexities of black womanhood, shedding light on the diverse experiences and struggles faced by African American women in society.
The song remains a poignant and relevant commentary on race, gender, and identity, resonating with listeners across generations and solidifying Nina Simone’s legacy as a pioneering voice in music and social activism.