Nina Simone

Nina Simone (1933-2003) Nina Simone was an extremely gifted American pianist, singer, song writer and civil rights activist. She grew up in North Carolina and became aware of the yoke of racism and discrimination at a young age. One day when preparing to perform in a concert, she saw her parents ushered away from the front row, toward the back of the room, to make room for white guests. Even as a young girl she knew that was wrong, and refused to perform unless her parents were returned to their original seats. She delighted in many musical genres including classical, jazz, folk, pop, gospel, rhythm and blues music. She had a deep and strong voice and an unmistakable sound that was new to the musical scene that she entered in her early twenties during the 1950’s. She attended Julliard music school in New York City through the help of supporters in her hometown, but wasn’t able to stay after her funds ran low. Over and over Nina Simone was witness to blatant discrimination. She wrote songs such as ‘Backlash’, ‘Mississippi Goddam’, and ‘I wish I Knew How it would Feel to be Free’ as a reaction to the racism and prejudice that was endemic throughout the south and within the American culture. Over time, her patience and willingness to fight to be treated fairly and correct the wrongs of American society waned, and she decided to leave the country. She spent many years creating music and performing in various parts of the world, most notably in Barbados, Liberia, Switzerland, the Netherlands and in France.

I typed Nina Simone because I loved her music, and admired her beauty, creativity, and the way she used her music to spark dialogue and bring attention to the issues of racism and prejudice.