The Visceral Journey of Nina Simone

Nina Simone: The Last Great Diva of Jazz

Nina Simone wasn't just a singer—she was a storm, a voice, a fighter. A classically trained pianist who became one of the most powerful voices in jazz, soul, and protest music, Nina transcended genre boundaries and used her art as a weapon for social justice. Her music remains as urgent and relevant today as it was during the civil rights movement.

In this comprehensive article, we walk through her life, her legacy, and why her albums remain some of the most cherished and sought-after vinyl records in the world. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering her music for the first time, understanding Nina's story deepens your appreciation for every note she sang.

A Life of Talent, Pain, and Purpose

Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, Nina Simone was a musical prodigy from the start. She started playing piano at three years old, composing her own pieces at six, and gave her first public concert at just ten years old. It was during that concert that she first encountered racism—when her parents were forced to give up their front-row seats to white audience members—a moment that would shape her life and music forever.

Nina's mother was a Methodist minister, and her father was a handyman and preacher. Despite their limited means, they recognized their daughter's extraordinary talent and sacrificed to provide her with classical piano training. Nina dreamed of becoming the first Black American classical pianist, studying at Juilliard and applying to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

When Curtis rejected her application—a decision she always believed was racially motivated—it devastated her. This rejection redirected her path from classical concert halls to jazz clubs and bars, where she began performing under the stage name "Nina Simone" to hide her nightclub work from her religious family.

Behind her fame, Nina battled bipolar disorder (undiagnosed for much of her life), breast cancer, and the crushing pressures of the spotlight. But above all, she held fiercely to her love for music, using it as both escape and weapon—a way to process pain and fight injustice simultaneously.

The Voice of Protest and Soul

More than a performer, Nina Simone was a revolutionary. Her songs became anthems for the civil rights movement, giving voice to rage, grief, and hope during America's most turbulent decades. She didn't just sing about injustice—she lived it, marched for it, and risked her career to speak truths that many were too afraid to say aloud.

After the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young Black girls, Nina wrote "Mississippi Goddam" in less than an hour—a scathing protest song that many radio stations refused to play. The song's fury was unprecedented, its message uncompromising: "Everybody knows about Mississippi, goddam!"

From "Mississippi Goddam" to "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" (written in honor of her friend, playwright Lorraine Hansberry), Nina's discography is a powerful archive of resistance and emotion—making her records some of the most valuable vinyls for both music lovers and historians alike.

Other protest anthems include "Four Women" (exploring Black female identity and stereotypes), "Why? (The King of Love Is Dead)" (mourning Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination), and her haunting cover of "Strange Fruit" (Billie Holiday's anti-lynching ballad). Each song carries weight that transcends entertainment—they're historical documents of struggle and resilience.

For collectors seeking music with meaning, Nina's albums belong in every serious collection. Learn more about building a meaningful vinyl library in our guide to America's best independent record stores where you can find rare jazz pressings.

The High Priestess of Soul (Even If She Didn't Like the Title)

Nina never liked labels. She rejected being called the "High Priestess of Soul" and resisted being boxed in by the jazz world. "I'm not a jazz singer," she insisted. "I'm a classical pianist who sings." But whether she was singing jazz, gospel, blues, folk, or classical pieces, her voice carried a force unlike any other—a contralto that could whisper intimately one moment and roar with fury the next.

Her debut album with Bethlehem Records in 1959, Little Girl Blue, included tracks that blended genres in ways that felt bold, raw, and real. The album featured her breakthrough hit "I Loves You, Porgy" (from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess), which reached the Top 20 on the Billboard charts and established her as a major talent.

That original pressing? Today it's one of those records collectors dream about—a piece of music history that captures Nina at the beginning of her extraordinary career. If you've got one stored away, it might just be among the most valuable vinyls ever pressed, especially in near-mint condition.

Nina's Musical Style: Beyond Genre

What made Nina Simone unique was her refusal to be categorized. Her classical training gave her technical precision, but her emotional depth came from gospel, blues, and lived experience. She could perform a Bach fugue, then transition seamlessly to a blues standard, then deliver a protest anthem—all with equal mastery.

Her Signature Sound

Nina's piano playing was percussive, rhythmic, and deeply expressive. She used the piano as both accompaniment and conversation partner, her left hand creating driving basslines while her right hand added melodic flourishes. Her voice—a rich, powerful contralto—could be tender, angry, playful, or devastating, often within the same song.

She approached every song as a storyteller, inhabiting lyrics so completely that listeners felt they were experiencing the emotions firsthand. Whether covering standards or performing originals, Nina made every song unmistakably hers.

Influences and Legacy

Nina drew from diverse influences: classical composers like Bach and Beethoven, jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington, gospel traditions from her church upbringing, and folk artists like Pete Seeger. This eclectic mix created a sound that defied categorization and influenced generations of artists across genres.

Essential Nina Simone Albums to Collect

If you're building a Nina Simone vinyl collection, these albums are essential starting points:

1. Little Girl Blue (1959) - Bethlehem Records

Her debut album, featuring "I Loves You, Porgy" and "My Baby Just Cares for Me." Original pressings are highly collectible and showcase Nina's early style—sophisticated, jazz-influenced, and emotionally direct.

2. Nina Simone at Town Hall (1959) - Colpix Records

A live album capturing Nina's commanding stage presence. Includes "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair" and demonstrates her ability to hold an audience spellbound with just voice and piano.

3. Nina Simone at Newport (1960) - Colpix Records

Live performance from the Newport Jazz Festival. Features extended improvisations and showcases Nina's jazz chops alongside her classical training.

4. Pastel Blues (1965) - Philips Records

Contains "Sinnerman," an epic 10-minute spiritual that builds to an ecstatic climax. One of her most powerful studio albums, blending gospel, blues, and jazz.

5. Wild Is the Wind (1966) - Philips Records

Features the title track (later covered by David Bowie) and "Four Women." Showcases Nina's range from tender ballads to fierce protest songs.

6. Nina Simone Sings the Blues (1967) - RCA Victor

A blues-focused album that highlights Nina's roots in the genre. Raw, emotional, and essential for understanding her artistic range.

7. Silk & Soul (1967) - RCA Victor

Contains "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free," which became a civil rights anthem and was later used in the film Point of No Return.

8. 'Nuff Said! (1968) - RCA Victor

Recorded just days after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, this live album captures Nina's grief and rage. Includes "Why? (The King of Love Is Dead)" and "Mississippi Goddam." Emotionally devastating and historically significant.

For guidance on properly storing these treasures, explore our comprehensive guide to vinyl storage solutions that protect your collection.

The Most Valuable Nina Simone Pressings

Certain Nina Simone pressings command premium prices in the collector market:

• Little Girl Blue (1959, Bethlehem, original mono pressing): First pressings in near-mint condition can sell for $100-300
• Nina Simone at Town Hall (1959, Colpix, original pressing): Clean copies fetch $75-200
• Emergency Ward! (1972, RCA, original UK pressing): Rare and sought-after, $150-400
• Baltimore (1978, CTI Records, original pressing): Her late-career masterpiece, $50-150
• Promotional copies and test pressings: Can command significantly higher prices

Condition is critical—mint condition copies with original inserts and clean covers are worth substantially more than worn copies. If you own original pressings, proper storage in quality modular vinyl storage protects both their sound quality and monetary value.

How to Identify Original Pressings

Authenticating original Nina Simone pressings requires attention to detail:

• Check the label: Original Bethlehem, Colpix, Philips, and RCA Victor labels have specific designs and fonts
• Matrix numbers: Hand-etched numbers in the vinyl's run-out groove identify pressing plants and sequence
• Cover details: Original covers have specific printing characteristics, paper stock, and back cover information
• Weight and feel: Vintage vinyl often feels different from modern pressings—slightly lighter, different texture
• Research on Discogs: Cross-reference catalog numbers, barcodes, and pressing details

When hunting for vintage records, knowledge protects you from overpaying for reissues marketed as originals. Do your research before making significant purchases.

Nina's Journey: From America to the South of France

Disillusioned by the racism and pressure of the American music industry, Nina left the U.S. in 1970 after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the FBI's increasing surveillance of her activism. She felt betrayed by a country she'd fought for, exhausted by the violence and hatred she'd witnessed.

She lived in Barbados, Liberia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and finally settled in the south of France, where she found some measure of peace. In Europe, she was celebrated as an artist and intellectual, free from the racial oppression that had defined her American experience.

It was there, in Carry-le-Rouet, a small coastal town in Provence, that she passed away on April 21, 2003, at the age of 70 after a long battle with breast cancer. Her ashes were scattered in several African countries, honoring her connection to the continent and its diaspora. Her story, like her voice, still echoes across generations.

Nina's Influence on Modern Artists

Nina Simone's impact extends far beyond her era. Countless contemporary artists cite her as a major influence:

• Lauryn Hill: Credits Nina's fearless artistry and activism as inspiration
• Alicia Keys: Studied Nina's piano technique and emotional delivery
• John Legend: Calls Nina one of the greatest artists of all time
• Kanye West: Sampled "Sinnerman" in "Talib Kweli"
• Common: References Nina's activism in his socially conscious hip-hop
• Adele: Names Nina as a vocal influence
• Amy Winehouse: Drew heavily from Nina's jazz and soul stylings

Her music has been sampled, covered, and referenced across genres—from hip-hop to indie rock to electronic music. Nina's refusal to compromise her artistry or silence her activism created a template for artists who use their platform for social change.

For those building collections that span eras, pairing Nina's original pressings with modern artists she influenced creates a powerful narrative arc. Discover more about building thematic collections in our guide to the best turntables and storage furniture for collectors in 2025.

How to Keep Nina's Legacy Spinning

If you're lucky enough to own some of her original vinyl records, take care of them—they're not just music, they're history. These albums document a pivotal era in American culture, capturing both artistic brilliance and social upheaval.

Use the best practices to store LP records: keep them vertical (never stacked horizontally), in anti-static inner sleeves, and away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Temperature fluctuations and humidity can warp vinyl and damage covers, destroying both sound quality and value.

Whether displayed on a shelf or tucked in crates, Nina deserves a safe home. Her music has survived decades—proper storage ensures it survives decades more. Consider investing in quality modular vinyl storage that protects your investment while showcasing your collection.

Caring for Your Nina Simone Vinyl

Vintage jazz records require special care to preserve their sound:

• Clean before playing: Use a carbon fiber brush before every play to remove surface dust
• Deep clean periodically: Use vinyl-specific cleaning solution and microfiber cloths for records that haven't been played in months
• Replace inner sleeves: Original paper sleeves shed fibers that get into grooves—replace with anti-static poly sleeves
• Protect covers: Use outer protective sleeves to prevent ring wear, corner damage, and fading
• Handle properly: Always hold records by edges and label, never touching the playing surface
• Check your stylus: A worn or dirty stylus damages grooves—clean regularly and replace when needed

Proper care preserves both the listening experience and the monetary value of your collection. A well-maintained original pressing sounds dramatically better than a neglected one.

Hunting for Nina Simone Vinyl

And if you're hunting down those hard-to-find vintage records, her early albums with Bethlehem and Colpix are absolute treasures. Their sound quality, cover art, and emotional depth make them centerpieces in any collection—conversation starters that tell stories beyond the music.

Where to look:

• Independent record stores: Staff often know their inventory and can alert you when Nina albums arrive
• Estate sales and auctions: Older collections sometimes contain pristine vintage pressings
• Online marketplaces: Discogs, eBay, and specialized vinyl sites offer global access but require careful authentication
• Record fairs and conventions: In-person browsing lets you inspect condition before buying
• Jazz specialty shops: Stores focusing on jazz often have deeper Nina Simone inventory

Be patient—great finds take time. Building a meaningful collection is a journey, not a race. Every discovery adds another chapter to your personal music archive. Explore the best places to dig in our comprehensive guide to independent record stores across America.

Want to Know More?

Watch What Happened, Miss Simone? on Netflix—a moving documentary by Liz Garbus that dives deep into Nina's life using rare footage, interviews, and her own words. The film doesn't shy away from Nina's struggles with mental illness, abusive relationships, and the toll of activism, presenting a complex, honest portrait of a complicated genius.

The documentary won the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary and was nominated for an Academy Award. It's essential viewing for anyone who wants to understand the woman behind the legend—her brilliance, her pain, her rage, and her uncompromising commitment to truth.

Other resources to explore:

• Nina's autobiography: I Put a Spell on You (1992) tells her story in her own voice
• Biographies: Princess Noire: The Tumultuous Reign of Nina Simone by Nadine Cohodas offers comprehensive research
• Concert footage: YouTube has numerous performances showing Nina's commanding stage presence
• Interviews: Archival interviews reveal Nina's sharp intellect and unfiltered opinions

Frequently Asked Questions About Nina Simone

What are Nina Simone's most valuable vinyl records?
Original pressings of Little Girl Blue (1959, Bethlehem), Nina Simone at Town Hall (1959, Colpix), and Emergency Ward! (1972, RCA UK pressing) are among the most valuable. First pressings in near-mint condition can sell for $100-400 depending on rarity and condition.

Why is Nina Simone called the High Priestess of Soul?
The title was given by fans and critics to honor her powerful, spiritual performances and her ability to channel deep emotion through music. However, Nina herself rejected the label, insisting she was a classical pianist who sang, not a soul or jazz singer.

What was Nina Simone's most famous protest song?
"Mississippi Goddam" (1964) is her most famous protest song, written in response to the 1963 Birmingham church bombing that killed four Black girls. The song's direct, angry lyrics were unprecedented and many radio stations refused to play it.

Did Nina Simone have formal musical training?
Yes, Nina was classically trained from childhood and studied at Juilliard. She applied to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia but was rejected—a decision she believed was racially motivated. This rejection redirected her from classical concert halls to jazz clubs.

Where can I find original Nina Simone vinyl records?
Check independent record stores specializing in jazz, online marketplaces like Discogs and eBay, estate sales, record fairs, and jazz conventions. Always verify pressing details and condition before purchasing valuable records. Visit America's best independent record stores for quality selections.

How should I store Nina Simone vinyl records?
Store vertically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use anti-static inner sleeves and protective outer sleeves. Keep temperature stable (65-70°F) and humidity moderate (45-50%). Never stack records horizontally, which causes warping.

More Than Music

Nina Simone gave us songs that demand to be heard—and remembered. She gave a voice to the voiceless and made her pain our power. Her music wasn't entertainment—it was testimony, resistance, and survival all at once.

She refused to be silenced, even when it cost her commercially. She spoke truth when it was dangerous. She used her platform to fight injustice when many artists stayed silent. This courage makes her not just a great artist, but a cultural hero whose legacy extends far beyond music.

Her albums are more than collectibles—they're historical documents of the civil rights era, capturing the rage, hope, and determination of a generation fighting for freedom. Owning her vinyl means preserving that history and keeping her message alive for future generations.

So today, put on your favorite vintage records, take a moment to honor her fire, and let her piano remind you of what music can do. Let her voice remind you that art can be a weapon, that beauty can coexist with rage, and that speaking truth is worth any cost.

Whether you're spinning "Sinnerman," "Feeling Good," "I Put a Spell on You," or "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," you're not just listening to music—you're connecting with a legacy of resistance, artistry, and uncompromising truth.

Preserve Nina's legacy with proper storage that honors her artistry. Explore Keep Them Spinning's collection of vinyl storage solutions—handcrafted furniture designed to protect your most treasured records while displaying them with the respect they deserve.

From expandable modular systems that grow with your collection to premium storage boxes that protect individual albums, and elegant wall-mounted displays that showcase your favorite covers as art—we've designed solutions for collectors who understand that great music deserves great care.

Want to learn more about vinyl culture and collecting? Explore our comprehensive guides:

• Discover America's best independent record stores
• Choose the perfect turntable and storage setup for 2025
• Build a vinyl collection that lasts generations

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Nina Simone's voice still echoes. Keep it spinning. Keep her legacy alive. 🎹🎵