Nina Simone, the legendary “High Priestess of Soul,” was more than just a singer—she was a storyteller, an activist, and a force of nature whose music transcended genres and eras. Her voice, a haunting blend of raw emotion and technical mastery, could evoke both the deepest sorrow and the most defiant hope. With a career spanning decades, Nina Simone’s repertoire is a rich tapestry of jazz, blues, gospel, and classical influences, each song a reflection of her brilliance and passion.
In this article, we take a journey through the top 10 most popular Nina Simone songs of all time—timeless masterpieces that continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. From empowering anthems of civil rights to poignant ballads of heartbreak, these tracks showcase the incredible range and depth of her artistry. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to her music, these songs are a testament to Simone’s genius and her ability to infuse every note with unparalleled emotion.
Prepare to be captivated as we explore the music that has cemented Nina Simone’s place as one of the greatest artists of all time. These are the songs that define her legacy and keep her spirit alive in the hearts of millions.
1. I Loves You, Porgy (1958)
“I Loves You, Porgy,” originally from George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess, stands as one of Nina Simone’s most emotionally charged performances. Released in 1958, the song showcases Simone’s unparalleled ability to connect with the material on a deep, personal level. Her rendition is tender and vulnerable, drawing listeners into the heart-wrenching narrative of love and longing. Nina’s voice, full of both desperation and tenderness, conveys the emotional complexity of the character’s plight. Accompanied by her piano, which is both delicate and powerful, the music feels like an intimate conversation between the singer and her audience, where every note and every pause speaks volumes. This iconic ballad, while deeply rooted in the world of opera, finds new life in Nina’s hands, as she imbues it with a soulful intensity that only she could deliver. The combination of yearning in the lyrics and the subtlety in her piano playing creates an atmosphere of emotional vulnerability that stays with the listener long after the song ends. “I Loves You, Porgy” has become one of Nina Simone’s most cherished classics, representing the kind of deeply emotional, transcendent music that is timeless and speaks to the universal experience of love and loss.
2. My Baby Just Cares for Me (1958)
Recorded as part of Nina Simone’s debut album Little Girl Blue in 1958, “My Baby Just Cares for Me” is a delightful and jazzy number that would go on to become a surprising hit years later when it was used in a 1987 perfume commercial. The song’s upbeat, playful nature is far removed from the heavy emotional gravity of some of Nina’s other works, yet it showcases her incredible versatility. The tune itself, written in the 1930s, is a joyful and carefree celebration of love, focusing on the simple devotion of a partner who has only eyes for the singer. Nina’s performance is full of warmth and charm, with her piano playing adding a playful bounce that complements her sultry vocals perfectly. Her voice, smooth and velvety, has a lighthearted sensuality that invites listeners to smile and tap their feet. The song’s enduring appeal is in part due to Nina’s ability to transform it into something entirely her own—imbuing it with personality, wit, and undeniable charm. “My Baby Just Cares for Me” may have originally been a standard, but Nina’s version transcends the genre, making it a timeless classic that resonates with every generation. It is an excellent example of how Nina Simone could take any material and make it uniquely hers.
3. Feeling Good (1965)
Nina Simone’s 1965 rendition of “Feeling Good” is nothing short of transformative. Originally written for the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, Nina’s interpretation has since become the definitive version. The song is an exuberant celebration of liberation, self-assurance, and empowerment, and Nina brings a power and soulfulness to the lyrics that resonates deeply with listeners. The dramatic orchestration builds from the first note, with sweeping strings and a powerful brass section that adds to the grandeur of the song. Nina’s vocals soar, from a whisper to a full-throated cry of joy, embodying the essence of feeling free and unapologetically alive. As she belts out the iconic line, “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me,” the listener feels a sense of hope and renewal that is infectious. This song has become an anthem of liberation and strength, with its uplifting message of personal freedom resonating across generations. Nina Simone’s powerful interpretation of “Feeling Good” captures not just the sentiment of the song, but an entire era’s longing for empowerment. It remains one of her most iconic tracks, an undeniable classic in the realm of soul, jazz, and pop music.
4. Sinnerman (1965)
“Sinnerman,” from Nina Simone’s 1965 album Pastel Blues, is an explosive, ten-minute journey of spiritual intensity and redemption. The track opens with a driving, rhythmic piano riff that immediately sets a tense, urgent tone. Nina’s vocals are just as compelling, as she delivers a narrative of judgment and atonement with unparalleled intensity. The song tells the story of someone seeking redemption, calling out to God and pleading for forgiveness. The sense of urgency and desperation in the vocals is palpable, as if the singer is caught in a battle between sin and salvation. Throughout the song, Nina uses call-and-response vocals that add to the feeling of an intense spiritual struggle, with the music building in layers, pushing toward a climax. Her impassioned delivery is both commanding and vulnerable, showcasing her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song’s bold, jazz-influenced arrangement, filled with dynamic shifts and explosive crescendos, mirrors the drama and emotional intensity of the narrative. “Sinnerman” is a powerful anthem of seeking redemption and grappling with inner turmoil. It remains one of Nina’s most gripping performances, a true testament to her ability to channel raw emotion and deliver it through her distinctive, soul-stirring voice. The track remains an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to witness it, particularly in live performances where it becomes a transcendental moment of release and catharsis.
5. To Be Young, Gifted and Black (1969)
Released in 1969, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is a bold and inspiring anthem that was crafted to celebrate Black identity and resilience during the Civil Rights Movement. The song was inspired by Lorraine Hansberry’s play To Be Young, Gifted and Black, and Nina Simone’s heartfelt performance brought it to life with undeniable passion and conviction. The lyrics call upon Black youth to embrace their heritage, recognize their worth, and be proud of their identity in the face of adversity. Nina’s voice, filled with both warmth and strength, conveys a deep sense of hope, empowerment, and pride that resonates throughout the track. The music, with its uplifting orchestration, complements the message, swelling with a sense of grandeur and optimism. This song was a call to action, an invitation to stand tall and claim one’s rightful place in the world. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became an anthem of the time, capturing the spirit of resistance and pride that defined the era. Nina Simone’s performance remains iconic, as she instilled the song with a sense of purpose and urgency that not only spoke to her generation but continues to inspire listeners today. It remains one of her most beloved and significant contributions to both music and activism.
6. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (1964)
Nina Simone’s 1964 rendition of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a compelling expression of vulnerability, defiance, and the complexities of human emotion. The song itself, initially written as a bossa nova, is given new life through Nina’s soulful, raw delivery. The lyrics tell the story of a person who feels misunderstood and unfairly judged, pleading for empathy and understanding. Nina’s voice, which alternates between powerful declarations and tender pleas, brings an emotional depth that transcends the original intention of the song. As she sings, her rich tones carry a palpable sense of frustration, but also a quiet strength, turning the song into a deeply personal narrative. The orchestral arrangement heightens this emotional intensity, with lush strings and a driving rhythm section that mirrors the conflicting emotions of the singer. Nina’s delivery of the line, “I’m just a soul whose intentions are good, oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood,” becomes a cry of desperation for those who feel marginalized or unfairly treated. This performance, which has been covered by many artists over the years, remains the definitive version, as Nina’s interpretation imbues it with a sense of sincerity and depth that only she could deliver. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” remains one of Nina Simone’s most powerful songs, blending vulnerability with strength in a way that has made it an enduring classic.
7. I Put a Spell on You (1965)
Nina Simone’s 1965 rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” takes what was originally a raw, bluesy track by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and transforms it into a sultry, captivating masterpiece. The song tells the story of obsessive love, with the singer declaring her intense, almost magical, hold over her lover. Nina’s delivery is nothing short of mesmerizing, with her powerful voice conveying both longing and authority. From the moment she begins singing, the listener is pulled into her world—a world where desire and obsession intertwine in a seductive dance. The arrangement of the song is lush and dramatic, with heavy orchestration building the tension and complementing Nina’s impassioned performance. The crescendo of the song mirrors the increasing intensity of the singer’s emotions, culminating in a final release of passion and vulnerability. Nina’s interpretation of “I Put a Spell on You” is full of nuance, as she alternates between whispers of longing and fierce proclamations of power, creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere. Her version of the song has become the definitive one, with its haunting intensity and emotional depth making it a timeless classic. In Nina’s hands, “I Put a Spell on You” is not just a song about love; it’s an exploration of the transformative and all-consuming power of emotion.
8. Wild is the Wind (1966)
Nina Simone’s 1966 cover of “Wild Is the Wind” is a stunning example of her ability to take a song and make it her own. Originally written for the 1957 film of the same name, this track is a deeply emotional and personal expression of love, longing, and heartache. Nina’s delivery of the song is gentle yet powerful, as she transforms the lyrics into a meditation on the volatility and unpredictability of love. The song’s tender orchestration, with its sweeping strings and delicate piano, creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing Nina’s voice to soar. Her interpretation captures the raw, aching desire of someone who feels as though they are at the mercy of their emotions. The way Nina sings the words “Wild is the wind, wild is the wind, you are the wind” conveys the feeling of being swept away by a force that is both exhilarating and terrifying. It’s as if Nina herself is surrendering to the wildness of love, giving herself over completely to the unknown. The song’s emotional depth and Nina’s soul-stirring vocals make it one of her most intimate and haunting performances. “Wild Is the Wind” is a beautiful, fragile reflection on the complexity of love and the way it can both uplift and devastate, and Nina Simone’s version will forever remain the most poignant interpretation of this timeless classic.
9. Mississippi Goddam (1964)
Released in 1964, “Mississippi Goddam” is one of Nina Simone’s most politically charged and powerful songs. Written in response to the tragic murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young Black girls, the song is a direct, angry outcry against racial injustice and violence. Nina’s performance is full of rage, but also a sense of frustration and helplessness, capturing the emotional intensity of the moment. The upbeat tempo of the song, with its jazz-infused arrangement, contrasts sharply with its fierce, biting lyrics, creating a sense of dissonance that enhances the urgency of the message. As Nina sings, “Mississippi goddam, I mean every word of it,” her voice shakes with emotion, and the listener can feel the weight of her conviction. “Mississippi Goddam” was a bold and unapologetic protest song that challenged the status quo and demanded change. Nina’s fearless delivery and the song’s powerful message made it an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. This track remains one of Nina Simone’s most iconic and influential works, capturing the anger, pain, and call for justice that defined a pivotal moment in American history.
10. Four Women (1966)
“Four Women,” from Nina Simone’s 1966 album Wild Is the Wind, is a groundbreaking piece of social commentary that explores the complexities of Black womanhood. The song introduces four distinct female characters, each representing a different facet of the African American experience. Through each character’s story, Nina paints a vivid and poignant portrait of pain, strength, resilience, and identity. The first woman, “Sarah,” is a victim of slavery and suffering, while the second, “Saffronia,” is a product of the era’s systemic racism. “Neena,” the third woman, reflects the struggle for self-acceptance, and “Sweet Thing,” the final character, is a woman who has been hardened by life’s challenges. Each character’s story is told with a level of depth and empathy that only Nina Simone could convey, and the music, with its jazzy, soulful arrangement, underscores the gravity of the subject matter. Nina’s storytelling is masterful, using her powerful voice to convey the emotions of each woman. “Four Women” is both a musical masterpiece and a bold statement on race, gender, and identity, showcasing Nina Simone’s unflinching ability to address social issues with honesty and vulnerability. This song remains one of her most thought-provoking and essential works, offering a powerful commentary on the strength and complexity of Black womanhood.
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.
