On February 21, 1933, Nina Simone, a United States civil rights activist and jazz diva, was born. Here are five songs from the singer to listen to on repeat.
88 years ago, Nina Simone was born in the United States, the sixth of eight children, to a poor family in the state of North Carolina during segregation. Known for her talent and her rebellion, Nina Simone, whose real name is Eunice Kathleen Waymon, has become a civil rights activist, virtuoso pianist and internationally honored jazz diva, especially in France where she sang and lived until the end of his life. With an intense and deep voice, lyrics about the claim, his wounds, love, and hope, and music that is both touching and dazzling, here are 5 of his songs to discover or rediscover, and which will make you love jazz and blues simultaneously.
“Young, gifted and black”
Accompanied by powerful choirs, Nina Simone sings beautifully the joy and confidence in this piece. In this rebellious song against segregation in the southern United States, Nina Simone allies with the “Black Power” movement in saying that being “young, talented, and black” deserves pride. This title remains a great success more than fifty years after its debut.
“I put a spell on you”
First composed in 1956 by Screamin 'Jay Hawkin, Nina Simone transformed this music by mixing jazz and blues and a full orchestra. Supported by her vibrant voice, she stands in the middle to put “a spell on you,” and bewitch you.
"Ain't got no (I got life)"
This song has become a key to his repertoire, especially with a younger audience. It begins by evoking the desolation of someone who has nothing "Ain’t no .." to arrive at the celebration and the justification of "I Got Life" where the urge to dance becomes irresistible. This song also joins the Black Power movement and their existentialist search "Who am I".
“I wish I knew how it would feel to be free”
It was one of the flagship songs of the civil rights movement of the sixties. Nina Simone, who wanted to become a professional pianist, sings it accompanied by her piano. Her intensity and melancholy remind us of her childhood when she played at church in a small town in North Carolina.
“My baby just cares for me”
A song that captures the characteristics of "Swing well," it is a cover of the Musical "Whoopee!" from the thirties. Nina Simone made the adaptation in 1957, which was long unknown until it was used in the Chanel No. 5 commercial in England. It will then become one of his biggest hits, and we don't wonder why!