Few artists have left an indelible mark on music and culture like Nina Simone. Known as the “High Priestess of Soul,” Simone’s artistry transcended genres, blending jazz, blues, classical, gospel, and folk into a body of work that remains as powerful and relevant today as it was decades ago. Her music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a force of nature, delivering raw emotion and profound messages that resonated with audiences across generations. From her hauntingly beautiful ballads to her fiery anthems of freedom and equality, Nina Simone’s songs are timeless treasures that continue to inspire and move millions around the world.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the Top 10 most popular Nina Simone songs of all time—tracks that encapsulate her genius, passion, and unyielding spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her brilliance, these songs showcase her unparalleled ability to capture the human experience. Each tune tells a story, paints a picture, or voices a truth, making Nina Simone not just a musician, but a storyteller and revolutionary. Get ready to immerse yourself in the unforgettable legacy of one of music’s greatest icons. Let’s celebrate the magic of Nina Simone!
1. Feeling Good (1965)
Nina Simone’s rendition of “Feeling Good” is nothing short of iconic. Though the song was originally composed by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, it was Simone who truly made it her own. Her 1965 version transforms the tune into a triumphant declaration of freedom, dignity, and personal rebirth. The orchestral build-up behind her voice gives the track a cinematic grandeur, but it’s Simone’s vocal delivery that seals its power—smoky, commanding, and rich with emotion. With just a few lines, she conveys the feeling of a soul stepping into the light after a long darkness. It’s more than a song; it’s an anthem of self-ownership and renewal. Over the decades, “Feeling Good” has been covered by dozens of artists, from Michael Bublé to Muse, yet none have captured the raw authenticity and emotional weight Simone brought to it. Whether played in a film, commercial, or on a protest stage, her version remains unmatched. In Simone’s hands, “Feeling Good” becomes a declaration not just of optimism, but of survival and strength. It’s a reminder that every sunrise brings a chance to begin again.
2. I Put a Spell on You (1965)
Nina Simone’s version of “I Put a Spell on You” is a mesmerizing blend of sensuality, intensity, and heartbreak. Originally written and performed by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins as a wild, theatrical blues number, Simone reimagines it as something far more haunting and intimate. Her 1965 recording strips away the camp and replaces it with raw, emotional vulnerability. Her voice floats between a gentle whisper and a powerful cry, communicating love not just as a passion but as an obsession—desperate, aching, and utterly consuming. Each note drips with longing and control, as though she’s trying to bind the listener with more than just words. The arrangement builds slowly, with a sultry piano line and swelling strings that add drama without overwhelming her voice. In Simone’s hands, this isn’t just a song about putting a spell on someone—it’s about the ways love can take over your mind, soul, and identity. It’s a track that lingers long after it ends, partly because of her delivery, and partly because she reveals the dark, complicated corners of romance. Simone didn’t just sing the song—she embodied it, and that’s why it continues to captivate listeners across generations.
3. Sinnerman (1965)
“Sinnerman” stands as one of Nina Simone’s most electrifying and enduring performances. Clocking in at over ten minutes, the song is more than just a musical piece—it’s a spiritual and emotional marathon. Built on a foundation of African-American spiritual tradition, “Sinnerman” tells the story of a soul running from judgment, desperately seeking refuge and finding none. From the moment the rhythmic piano begins to gallop forward, Simone pulls listeners into an unstoppable current. Her voice rises and falls like a preacher at a revival, full of urgency, fear, and divine confrontation. Clapping, jazz rhythms, and relentless piano playing create a pulsing momentum that doesn’t let up. It’s a performance charged with spiritual angst and moral reckoning. Originally appearing on her 1965 album Pastel Blues, “Sinnerman” became more than just a gospel-influenced track—it became a cultural touchstone. It has since been sampled, covered, and featured in films, commercials, and TV shows, each time reminding audiences of Simone’s unmatched ability to fuse music and meaning. This song isn’t just about sin or salvation—it’s about the terrifying moment when you realize you can’t outrun your truth. It’s powerful, cinematic, and absolutely unforgettable.
4. My Baby Just Cares for Me (1958)
There’s a charming lightness to “My Baby Just Cares for Me” that reveals a more playful, jazzy side of Nina Simone. Originally recorded in 1958 for her debut album Little Girl Blue, the song didn’t make much of a splash at first. But decades later, in the 1980s, it found new life when it was used in a Chanel No. 5 commercial—and suddenly, a new generation was captivated. The song’s breezy piano lines and upbeat tempo make it irresistibly catchy, but it’s Simone’s vocal interpretation that gives it depth and sparkle. Her delivery is cool, confident, and tinged with a bit of sly humor as she sings about a lover who doesn’t care about fame or glamour—he just cares for her. Beneath the swing and sophistication lies something sweet and genuine. It’s a celebration of love without pretense, and Simone’s effortless phrasing makes it feel timeless. Her piano work, crisp and stylish, is just as much the star of the track as her voice. “My Baby Just Cares for Me” is a reminder that Simone could be just as captivating in moments of joy as in moments of pain or protest.
5. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (1964)
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a song that speaks directly to the heart, and Nina Simone’s original 1964 version is filled with quiet desperation and emotional clarity. The song was written specifically for Simone by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus, and it captures something deeply personal: the need to be seen and understood, especially when emotions run high. With a restrained yet soulful piano arrangement, Simone lets the lyrics do the heavy lifting, gently pouring out a plea for empathy. Her voice carries both sadness and dignity, making it clear that while she may sometimes falter or seem difficult, her intentions come from a place of love. Later versions by The Animals and Santa Esmeralda turned the song into something more upbeat or dramatic, but Simone’s take remains the most intimate and affecting. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt misjudged or misread. Through this track, Simone humanizes the emotional complexity behind everyday struggles and relationships, turning a simple request for understanding into a soul-stirring moment. It’s a testament to her ability to blend personal vulnerability with musical mastery.
6. Four Women (1966)
“Four Women” is one of Nina Simone’s boldest and most thought-provoking works, released in 1966 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In just over four minutes, Simone paints vivid portraits of four African-American women, each representing a different experience shaped by history, race, and identity. There’s Aunt Sarah, a figure of endurance; Saffronia, caught between two worlds; Sweet Thing, who’s hardened by exploitation; and Peaches, whose anger is sharp and justified. Simone uses a sparse, haunting arrangement that lets her storytelling shine—there are no elaborate instrumental flourishes to distract from the truth of her lyrics. Her voice changes tone and mood with each character, bringing them to life with heartbreaking realism. “Four Women” is more than just a song—it’s a narrative of pain, resilience, and defiance. At the time of its release, the song was controversial for its unfiltered portrayal of Black womanhood, but it has since become a cornerstone of Simone’s legacy as both an artist and activist. It remains powerful today because it forces listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while honoring the complexity and dignity of Black women’s experiences.
7. Ain’t Got No, I Got Life (1968)
“Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is a joyous rebellion wrapped in funk and soul. Taken from the musical Hair and reworked by Nina Simone in 1968, this medley became an anthem of resilience and inner strength. The song begins by listing everything the narrator lacks—no money, no job, no family, no freedom. But halfway through, it pivots to a powerful declaration of what she does have: her body, her mind, her soul, and her life. That transition from despair to triumph is what gives the song its staying power. Simone’s voice radiates defiance and joy as she delivers each line, turning a list of personal losses into a celebration of what can never be taken away. The arrangement is vibrant and groovy, complete with an infectious rhythm section and her commanding piano work. This song became one of Simone’s biggest hits in Europe, and it continues to resonate because of its universal message. It reminds us that even when stripped of material possessions or societal status, human dignity and spirit endure. “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is a musical hug and a fist raised in the air all at once.
8. To Be Young, Gifted and Black (1969)
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is more than a song—it’s a declaration of pride and a call to empowerment. Nina Simone released this anthem in 1969 as a tribute to her dear friend Lorraine Hansberry, the celebrated playwright who passed away far too young. Inspired by Hansberry’s unfinished work, Simone crafted lyrics that spoke directly to Black youth, telling them they had something beautiful and powerful within them. The song’s arrangement is uplifting and full of gospel influence, featuring a choral backing that adds a communal, celebratory feel. Simone’s voice is warm and steady, full of love and resolve. She doesn’t just perform the song—she delivers it like a message that must be heard. In the late ’60s, when the Civil Rights Movement was reshaping America, this song provided both comfort and motivation. It told young Black people that their identity was not a burden but a gift. Over the years, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” has been embraced as an anthem by generations seeking inspiration and affirmation. It remains a shining example of Simone’s unique ability to merge her artistry with activism in a way that uplifts and empowers.
9. Mississippi Goddam (1964)
“Mississippi Goddam” is a lightning bolt of rage and clarity. Written in response to the 1963 assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers in Mississippi and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, that killed four young Black girls, Nina Simone penned this blistering song in 1964 as her first overt protest song. The track opens with a deceptively cheerful show-tune-like melody that quickly gives way to biting, urgent lyrics. Simone’s delivery is both sarcastic and searing—she’s furious, and she wants the world to feel that fury too. Lines like “This is a show tune, but the show hasn’t been written for it yet” cut straight through the facade, highlighting the absurdity of ignoring racial violence. “Mississippi Goddam” marked a turning point in Simone’s career, signaling her refusal to stay silent in the face of injustice. It shocked audiences at the time and even led to boycotts and bans, particularly in Southern states. But it also cemented Simone as a fearless voice in the Civil Rights Movement. Even today, the song’s urgency and power remain deeply relevant. It’s protest music at its most raw and unapologetic.
10. I Loves You, Porgy (1958)
“I Loves You, Porgy” is the song that first brought Nina Simone into the national spotlight. Originally written by George Gershwin for the opera Porgy and Bess, the ballad was reinterpreted by Simone on her debut album Little Girl Blue in 1958. Her version strips the song of its operatic roots and delivers it with heartbreaking intimacy. Simone’s phrasing is deliberate and tender, capturing the fragility of a woman pleading for love and safety. Her piano accompaniment is soft and delicate, supporting the vulnerability in her voice without overpowering it. There’s a sense of aching stillness in the way she delivers each line—quiet, but full of meaning. What makes this version so memorable is how deeply personal it feels. Simone doesn’t just perform the lyrics—she lives them. The emotional nuance she brings transforms a Broadway standard into a soul-baring confession. This track became her first chart success and helped introduce the world to the depth of her talent. Over the years, many have covered “I Loves You, Porgy,” but Simone’s version remains definitive. It’s not just a love song—it’s a moment of pure, aching humanity.
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.
