Nina Simone was not just a singer; she was a force of nature—a voice of passion, pain, and revolution. Her music transcended genres, blending jazz, blues, soul, and classical influences into something entirely her own. With a voice that could be as soft as a whisper or as powerful as a roar, Simone captured the hearts and minds of listeners around the world, becoming one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 20th century. But Nina Simone was more than just a musical genius—she was a fearless activist, using her art to speak out against injustice and fight for civil rights.
In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular songs from this legendary artist. These tracks not only showcase her immense vocal and piano talent, but also her ability to stir deep emotions and spark social change. From haunting ballads to electrifying anthems, these songs have stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with new generations. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her magic, this list will take you on an unforgettable journey through the music of one of the most extraordinary artists to ever grace the stage—Nina Simone.
1. “Feeling Good” (1965)
Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” is more than just a song; it’s an enduring anthem of liberation and empowerment that has transcended generations. Released in 1965 as part of her album I Put a Spell on You, the song has become one of Simone’s most iconic tracks. The moment her deep, velvety voice begins, it transports listeners into a world of unfiltered emotion. The track was originally written for the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, but Simone’s rendition has since eclipsed all others. Her ability to channel themes of freedom, renewal, and self-empowerment is unparalleled. What makes “Feeling Good” so special is how Simone’s voice effortlessly conveys a sense of triumph, making listeners believe in the promise of a new beginning. The orchestration is lush and cinematic, yet it’s her voice that takes center stage, delivering a performance that is both powerful and intimate. “Feeling Good” remains a cultural touchstone, frequently covered by other artists, but no version quite captures the emotional intensity and timeless relevance of Simone’s interpretation. It’s not just a song about feeling good—it’s about reclaiming power, joy, and freedom against all odds.
2. “I Put a Spell on You” (1965)
When Nina Simone reimagined “I Put a Spell on You” in 1965, she took a song that had once been a theatrical, eccentric performance by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and turned it into a mesmerizing expression of emotional intensity. Originally released in 1956, Hawkins’ version was a mix of rock and horror, but Simone’s interpretation slowed it down, transforming it into a sultry, simmering plea that grips the listener from the first note. Featured on her album I Put a Spell on You, Simone’s rendition is filled with longing and obsession. Her voice weaves between gentle and forceful, her piano work subtle yet commanding, adding layers of complexity to the song. Every phrase she sings feels like an incantation, drawing the listener deeper into her world of enchantment. What sets Simone’s version apart is her ability to convey both power and vulnerability. While she seems in control, there’s an undercurrent of desperation, a yearning for the person she’s addressing to fall under her spell. It’s a haunting, hypnotic performance that resonates with anyone who has felt consumed by passion, and it remains one of her most beloved tracks, exemplifying her ability to reinterpret a song and make it entirely her own.
3. “Sinnerman” (1965)
“Sinnerman” is one of Nina Simone’s most dynamic and intense musical journeys, and at nearly 10 minutes long, it takes listeners on a relentless spiritual ride. Released on her 1965 album Pastel Blues, this track is an adaptation of a traditional African-American spiritual, but Simone made it something entirely unique. From the start, the song builds with a steady, urgent rhythm, her piano keys creating a tense and dramatic atmosphere that mirrors the desperation of the lyrics. The story of a soul seeking redemption, running from sin but unable to escape, unfolds with Simone’s powerful voice leading the charge. Her vocals are haunting, filled with both fear and determination, as if she is racing against time. Backed by a driving rhythm section, the song’s momentum never lets up, growing in intensity as it progresses. The repetition of “Sinnerman” throughout creates a hypnotic effect, and by the time the song reaches its climax, Simone’s plea for salvation feels like it’s reverberating through the listener. “Sinnerman” is a masterpiece of emotion, storytelling, and musical tension, showing Simone’s unparalleled ability to blend gospel, blues, and jazz into a spiritual experience like no other.
4. “My Baby Just Cares for Me” (1958)
“My Baby Just Cares for Me” is one of Nina Simone’s most joyful and playful songs, a far cry from the intensity of some of her more famous work. Released in 1958 on her debut album Little Girl Blue, this lighthearted jazz standard dates back to the 1930s, but Simone brought her unique flair to it. Her piano playing is lively and full of swing, while her vocals are charming and effortless. The song exudes a sense of happiness and contentment, making it a delightful contrast to the heavier, emotionally charged themes of some of her other pieces. Although the track initially went relatively unnoticed, it became a surprise hit in 1987 when it was used in a Chanel No. 5 perfume commercial, introducing Simone’s music to a whole new audience. The bouncy, infectious rhythm and Simone’s flawless piano work make the song an irresistible earworm, perfect for showcasing her lighter side. While known for her political activism and emotionally raw performances, “My Baby Just Cares for Me” reminds listeners of her versatility as an artist who could effortlessly shift between different musical moods with grace and charm.
5. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (1964)
Nina Simone’s version of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a deeply emotional appeal for understanding, blending vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Released in 1964 on her album Broadway-Blues-Ballads, this track was originally written for Simone by Horace Ott, Bennie Benjamin, and Sol Marcus. Her interpretation takes the song to a whole new level, transforming it from a simple plea into a powerful expression of frustration, heartache, and the complexities of human emotion. Simone’s voice, rich with feeling, conveys the pain of being misjudged, misunderstood, and struggling to communicate one’s true intentions. The arrangement blends blues, jazz, and classical influences, giving the song a haunting quality that lingers long after the final note fades. While The Animals’ later rock version brought the song mainstream popularity, Simone’s rendition is far more emotionally charged, with each word she sings feeling deeply personal. There’s a sense of quiet desperation in her voice, but also an unshakable dignity, as if she’s asking for understanding but refusing to beg for it. It’s a song that resonates on a personal level, reminding listeners of the emotional weight of being truly seen and understood.
6. “I Loves You, Porgy” (1958)
“I Loves You, Porgy” is one of Nina Simone’s earliest and most beloved hits, capturing the emotional depth that would become a hallmark of her music. Released in 1958 as part of her debut album Little Girl Blue, the song is a tender ballad of love and longing, adapted from the opera Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin. Simone’s version is delicate and intimate, her voice soft and aching as she expresses a deep vulnerability. The piano accompaniment is gentle, perfectly complementing her vocals and adding to the song’s haunting beauty. Simone’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety is on full display here. She doesn’t overpower the song with vocal gymnastics; instead, she lets the quiet intensity of her voice do the work, making every note feel like a whisper of heartache. “I Loves You, Porgy” became a standout track on her debut album, showcasing her talent for blending classical music with jazz and blues. It’s a performance filled with emotional nuance, making it clear why this song has remained a cherished piece of Simone’s legacy, as she perfectly captures the fragility and beauty of unrequited love.
7. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” (1969)
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is more than just a song—it’s a rallying cry, an anthem of pride, and a celebration of identity. Released in 1969, the track was written by Nina Simone in honor of her dear friend Lorraine Hansberry, the playwright best known for A Raisin in the Sun. Simone’s powerful lyrics and passionate performance struck a chord with the Civil Rights Movement, making the song a symbol of empowerment for African Americans. The track’s stirring arrangement, which blends gospel, jazz, and pop influences, complements the message of strength and resilience that Simone conveys in every note. Her vocals are impassioned, radiating both pride and defiance, as she encourages young Black people to embrace their identity and fight for equality. The song became a cultural touchstone, offering a message of hope and self-love during a time of profound social change. Its impact has endured through the decades, inspiring generations to continue striving for justice and recognition. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” remains one of Simone’s most significant contributions to both music and activism, capturing the essence of her commitment to using her voice for change.
8. “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” (1968)
“Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is one of Nina Simone’s most uplifting and defiant tracks, a powerful statement of resilience and self-empowerment. Released in 1968 on her album Nuff Said!, the song is a medley of two songs from the musical Hair, juxtaposing a list of all the things the singer doesn’t have with the triumphant declaration of what she does possess—her life, her freedom, and her identity. Simone’s delivery is filled with both frustration and joy, her voice brimming with emotion as she moves between lamenting her struggles and celebrating her inner strength. The song’s infectious rhythm, paired with Simone’s vibrant piano playing, makes it impossible to listen without feeling a sense of empowerment. The track became a hit in Europe, particularly in the UK, and has remained a fan favorite ever since. What makes “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” so special is its ability to convey a complex range of emotions—frustration, hope, defiance—all in a way that feels deeply personal. It’s a song that speaks to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, reminding listeners that no matter what they’ve lost, they still have their life and their identity.
9. “Mississippi Goddam” (1964)
“Mississippi Goddam” is one of Nina Simone’s most confrontational and politically charged songs, a searing indictment of racism in America. Released in 1964 in response to the assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers and the 1963 Birmingham church bombing that killed four young Black girls, the song’s biting lyrics and upbeat tempo create a jarring contrast that underscores Simone’s anger and frustration. The track was banned in several Southern states due to its provocative title, but it quickly became a Civil Rights anthem, with Simone using her platform to speak out against the injustices of the time. Her performance is filled with urgency and righteous anger, as she calls out the hypocrisy and violence of the Jim Crow South. “Mississippi Goddam” is not a subtle song—it’s a bold, unapologetic demand for change. The upbeat melody masks the rage simmering beneath the surface, making the song even more impactful. Simone’s voice is unwavering as she delivers each line with conviction, making it clear that this was not just a protest song but a call to action. “Mississippi Goddam” remains one of her most iconic works, embodying the spirit of resistance and the fight for justice.
10. “Wild Is the Wind” (1966)
“Wild Is the Wind” is one of Nina Simone’s most haunting and romantic ballads, a song that showcases her ability to convey deep emotion with just her voice and piano. Released in 1966 on her album of the same name, the track was originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the 1957 film Wild Is the Wind. However, Simone’s version surpasses all others, dripping with raw emotion and vulnerability. Her voice soars and trembles throughout the song, perfectly capturing the longing and passion of the lyrics. The slow, aching melody complements her vocal performance, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and intensity that is palpable. “Wild Is the Wind” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but none have been able to match the depth of feeling that Simone brings to the song. Her rendition is both tender and powerful, a testament to her ability to express complex emotions through music. It’s a performance that lingers in the listener’s mind, long after the song has ended, making “Wild Is the Wind” one of the most enduring examples of Simone’s unparalleled artistry.
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.
