Nina Simone, the legendary singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. With her unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical influences, Simone’s powerful voice and poignant lyrics have resonated with generations of listeners. Her songs transcend time, addressing themes of love, pain, and social justice, making her an enduring icon of artistic expression and resilience.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 most popular Nina Simone songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that have not only defined her career but also influenced countless artists across genres. From the haunting beauty of “Feeling Good” to the unapologetic protest anthem “Mississippi Goddam,” each song showcases her unparalleled ability to convey deep emotion and provoke thought. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to her music, join us as we explore the timeless melodies and powerful messages that continue to inspire and uplift. Get ready to rediscover the magic of Nina Simone—an artist whose legacy is as vibrant today as it was during her groundbreaking career.
1. “Feeling Good” (1965)
“Feeling Good” is more than just a song—it’s a declaration of triumph and rebirth. Nina Simone delivers this classic with commanding vocals that radiate confidence, strength, and sheer joy. From the opening notes, there’s a sense of liberation, like breaking free from invisible chains. The rich orchestration, with sweeping strings and bold brass, amplifies the message of awakening and empowerment. Simone doesn’t just sing the words—she embodies them. Every phrase pulses with a kind of triumphant soul that makes listeners feel like they, too, can rise above their circumstances. Originally written for the musical *The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd*, the song took on a completely new life in Simone’s hands. Her version has since become iconic, featured in everything from movie soundtracks to commercials, often as a soundtrack for moments of personal transformation or political triumph. Whether heard in a quiet moment of reflection or booming through speakers in a triumphant scene, “Feeling Good” remains a stirring reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to reclaim joy, dignity, and purpose. Simone’s rendition turns it into a timeless anthem of power and renewal.
2. “I Put a Spell on You” (1965)
“I Put a Spell on You” is Nina Simone at her most intense and emotionally raw. Originally written and performed by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins as a theatrical blues number, Simone transforms it into a soulful cry of longing and desperation. Her voice trembles with passion, delivering each line as if she’s casting a real spell. The sparse, brooding piano accompaniment and dramatic orchestration build tension, drawing listeners into a world of obsession and heartbreak. Unlike other love songs that speak of joy and comfort, this one dwells in the painful grip of desire that borders on madness. Simone doesn’t hold back—her phrasing, her growls, her tender whispers—they all pull you into the complexity of love’s darker side. It’s as if she’s baring her soul in front of the world, daring us to look away. The result is a track that doesn’t just tug at your heart—it seizes it. “I Put a Spell on You” remains one of Simone’s most unforgettable recordings, a bold testament to her fearless emotional expression and her unparalleled ability to breathe new life into every song she touched.
3. “Sinnerman” (1965)
“Sinnerman” is an electrifying tour de force that captures Nina Simone’s unrelenting energy, spiritual urgency, and mastery of storytelling. Clocking in at over ten minutes, the song is a relentless pursuit of redemption, told through driving piano chords, hypnotic rhythms, and Simone’s impassioned voice. It begins like a spiritual chase—fast-paced, anxious, and unrelenting—as the sinner tries to flee judgment. Simone’s vocals rise and fall with intensity, turning this traditional African American spiritual into a dramatic, nearly cinematic experience. The repetition of lyrics builds a kind of spiritual fervor, while the gospel and jazz influences crash together in a storm of moral reckoning. As the song progresses, Simone’s piano becomes more frenetic, echoing the panic of a soul with nowhere left to run. The climax is emotionally exhausting yet cathartic, offering no easy resolution—only truth. “Sinnerman” has been sampled and used in countless films and shows, a testament to its emotional and cultural weight. More than a song, it feels like a ritual—an exorcism of guilt and a cry for mercy. Simone’s powerful performance ensures that listeners are not just hearing music but witnessing a reckoning of the soul.
4. “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” (1968)
“Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is one of Nina Simone’s most uplifting and empowering anthems, blending social commentary with a vibrant sense of self-affirmation. The track starts with Simone listing all the things she lacks—money, clothes, friends, freedom—only to pivot dramatically into a celebration of what she *does* have: her body, her soul, her life. The upbeat tempo and rhythmic energy create an irresistible groove, while Simone’s voice, filled with conviction and spirit, makes the song impossible to ignore. Adapted from the musical *Hair*, Simone’s version strips it down to its emotional core and reimagines it as a rallying cry for dignity in the face of deprivation. It’s about reclaiming agency and recognizing inherent worth even when the world tries to diminish it. The contrast between what’s missing and what remains is powerful, offering a timeless message of hope, especially for those who feel overlooked or oppressed. Simone’s delivery is both playful and deeply sincere, turning each lyric into an affirmation of survival and joy. “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” remains a beacon of positivity, reminding us to cherish the unshakable parts of our identity.
5. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” (1969)
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is one of Nina Simone’s most important and enduring contributions to the civil rights movement. Written in honor of her friend Lorraine Hansberry, the title comes from Hansberry’s unfinished play and became an anthem of pride and identity for generations of Black youth. Simone’s voice rings with clarity, love, and encouragement, offering both affirmation and a challenge. The arrangement is soulful and uplifting, with gospel influences that give it a communal, celebratory feel. Instead of confrontation, the song is filled with grace and inspiration—it’s a reminder that Black identity is not just valid but deeply beautiful and powerful. Simone’s message is simple yet revolutionary: being young, gifted, and Black is something to be proud of, not hidden. Released at a time of great racial tension and change in America, the song offered hope and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, it still resonates as a powerful declaration of self-worth and cultural pride. With its heartfelt lyrics and joyful tone, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” continues to uplift and empower, echoing through schools, churches, and social movements worldwide.
6. “Four Women” (1966)
“Four Women” is a masterclass in storytelling and social critique, with Nina Simone portraying four Black women, each with a unique voice, background, and burden. The song unfolds like a theatrical monologue, with Simone using her vocal range and emotional depth to bring each character to life. There’s Aunt Sarah, strong and enduring; Saffronia, caught between worlds; Sweet Thing, shaped by survival; and Peaches, hardened by rage. Each verse peels back layers of history, colorism, exploitation, and identity. The sparse instrumentation—mostly a steady piano and subtle percussion—places Simone’s voice front and center, commanding full attention. What makes “Four Women” so powerful is its refusal to offer easy resolutions. It holds a mirror to society, exposing the pain and resilience of Black womanhood without flinching. Upon release, it stirred controversy for its blunt lyrics, but that raw honesty is exactly what gives it lasting power. The final note, screamed by Peaches, leaves an unforgettable impact. “Four Women” remains a bold and haunting piece of musical storytelling that challenges listeners to see the individual behind every stereotype.
7. “I Loves You, Porgy” (1959)
“I Loves You, Porgy” was Nina Simone’s breakout hit and remains one of her most poignant ballads. Originally from George Gershwin’s opera *Porgy and Bess*, the song becomes deeply personal in Simone’s hands. Her delicate, jazz-inflected piano playing sets a somber mood, while her voice conveys both vulnerability and quiet strength. Every phrase feels like it’s been lived through—there’s a fragile honesty that makes the listener lean in closer. The song tells the story of a woman clinging to a fleeting love in a world filled with instability. Simone doesn’t over-sing it; instead, she trusts the emotion in the lyrics to carry through, and that restraint is what makes it so moving. Her interpretation is not just technically beautiful—it’s emotionally truthful. “I Loves You, Porgy” became Simone’s first chart success and introduced her to a wider audience, showcasing her unique blend of classical training, jazz fluency, and emotional intuition. Even now, it remains a defining moment in her catalog—a tender, heart-wrenching expression of love, fear, and longing that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
8. “Mississippi Goddam” (1964)
“Mississippi Goddam” is one of Nina Simone’s most explosive and politically charged songs. Written in response to the murder of Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, the song pulls no punches. It opens with a deceptively upbeat, show-tune-style melody that quickly gives way to biting satire and searing critique. Simone’s lyrics are bold, direct, and unflinching, calling out the slow pace of justice and the brutality faced by Black Americans in the South. With lines like “This is a show tune, but the show hasn’t been written for it yet,” she dismantles the idea that music must always be safe or soothing. Her voice is full of frustration, irony, and righteous anger, making each verse land like a blow. The repeated phrase “Alabama’s got me so upset, Tennessee made me lose my rest, and everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam” became a rallying cry and a lightning rod for controversy. The song was banned in several Southern states, but Simone never backed down. “Mississippi Goddam” stands as a landmark protest song—a fearless confrontation of racism and injustice, still chillingly relevant today.
9. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (1964)
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” captures Nina Simone’s deep sensitivity and longing for compassion in a world that often judges too quickly. While later covered by artists like The Animals and Santa Esmeralda, Simone’s version remains the most heartfelt. Her piano is gentle and searching, setting a pensive tone that invites the listener into her inner world. The lyrics speak to anyone who has ever felt misjudged or unheard, but Simone makes them feel deeply personal—like a plea straight from the soul. Her voice is full of subtle emotion, rising just enough to express frustration, then falling back into a soft vulnerability. What makes this song so affecting is the balance between defiance and tenderness—she wants to be seen, understood, and accepted without having to harden herself. In Simone’s hands, the song becomes not just about romantic misunderstanding, but about the human desire to be loved as we truly are. It’s a universal theme, beautifully rendered. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” showcases Simone’s gift for interpreting a song with nuance and depth, making it uniquely hers and speaking across boundaries of race, gender, and circumstance.
10. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” (1967)
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” is a moving expression of yearning and hope, one that speaks directly to the soul. Originally composed by Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas, Nina Simone made the song her own with a version that became deeply tied to the civil rights movement. Her gospel-infused piano playing, combined with a bright, uplifting rhythm, transforms the track into both a prayer and a declaration. Simone’s voice soars with both sorrow and aspiration, embodying the ache of those who dream of equality and the joy of imagining it becoming reality. The lyrics are deceptively simple—”I wish I could break all the chains holding me”—but the emotion behind them is immense. In Simone’s performance, each line carries the weight of generations, yet also points to a future filled with potential. It’s both a lament and a vision, equally grounded in the pain of the present and the hope for a better tomorrow. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” remains a timeless anthem, resonating with anyone who longs to live fully and freely.
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.
