The biggest challenge for any artist is to create something timeless…

Derrick May (Detroit)

Odes

  • Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, was a remarkable American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She is best known for her powerful and soulful voice, as well as her ability to blend multiple genres such as jazz, classical, blues, folk, and gospel. From an early age, Simone showed exceptional talent and determination in the face of adversity, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.

    Born into a family of eight children, Simone’s love for music was nurtured by her mother, a Methodist minister. At the age of three, she started playing the piano by ear, and her prodigious talent quickly became evident. Her parents, recognizing her gift, encouraged her to pursue classical piano training, and she became the top pianist in her local church by age 10.

    After graduating high school, Simone earned a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied classical piano. However, financial constraints forced her to leave Juilliard. Determined to continue her musical journey, Simone started playing in bars and clubs under the stage name Nina Simone. She adopted a new name to keep her parents from discovering that she was performing in “the devil’s music.”

    It was during these early club performances that Simone’s unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical music flourished. She caught the attention of record producers and signed with Bethlehem Records in 1957, releasing her debut album, "Little Girl Blue." The album featured her iconic rendition of "I Loves You, Porgy," which became an immediate success.

    Throughout her career, Nina Simone released numerous albums, including classics like "Black Gold," "Wild Is the Wind," and "I Put a Spell on You." Her music showcased her versatility, incorporating elements of social commentary and protest into her songs. Inspired by the civil rights movement, Simone’s powerful voice became a voice for change. Songs like "Mississippi Goddam" and "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" became anthems for the movement, reflecting her deep involvement.

    Beyond her musical career, Simone was a courageous activist and outspoken advocate for civil rights. She refused to perform in front of segregated audiences and actively participated in rallies and protests. Simone used her platform to spotlight injustice and inequality in society, even at the expense of her commercial success. Her activism often caused her to be blacklisted by American radio stations in the 1960s.

    In the later years of her career, Simone lived in France, Switzerland, and Barbados, before finally settling in the south of France. She continued to perform and record music, all the while dealing with personal struggles. Despite facing mental health issues and financial difficulties, Simone remained an influential figure, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

    On April 21, 2003, at the age of 70, Nina Simone passed away in her sleep at her home in France. Her legacy as a musician and activist remains strong. Her remarkable voice and unwavering commitment to equality continue to inspire generations of artists and activists alike. Nina Simone will forever be remembered as a true icon, whose music and activism left an indelible mark on the world.