Nina Simone's Visceral Journey

Nina Simone: The Last Great Jazz Diva

Considered one of the last jazz divas, Nina Simone 's life was marked by her prodigious voice and lyrics that captivated thousands in the 1960s. An extraordinary composer, singer and pianist, Nina remains an essential part of any music lover's collection, and remains on the list of favorites of any lover of good music.

The Complex Life of Nina Simone

Despite her fame and the affection of the public, Nina's life behind the scenes was very different from what everyone imagined. Her story is not the typical tale of famous stars: Nina was a child prodigy who played the piano at the age of three and composed at the age of six. At ten, she gave her first public concert in her city's library and there she experienced racism for the first time.

Over time, she faced other challenges that marked her life, such as her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, fame, breast cancer and the fight against racial violence. But above all, her life was marked by the deep love she felt for music.

African American Protest Music

Nina Simone was much more than a singer. She was a powerful and committed voice for the rights of women and the African-American community. Through her music, she made visible the feelings of pain and resistance of the African-American population and denounced the racial abuses of the time. Her commitment led her to participate in protests and meetings, and even to join the Black Panther movement, which fought for civil rights in the United States.

The High Priestess of Soul

Nina Simone was born Eunice Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina. The name “Nina” came from a former boyfriend, while “Simone” was a nod to French actress Simone Signoret . At age 21, Nina began singing in Atlantic City bars, eventually earning the nickname The High Priestess of Soul (although she was never comfortable with this title).

With her unique presence, Nina captivated audiences and launched her career in small clubs, performing songs that touched the soul. Her first big break came with her rendition of "I Loves You, Porgy" from the play Porgy and Bess . From then on, her path was unstoppable.

In 1959, she signed her first recording contract with Bethlehem Records , where she recorded her debut album, a repertoire that fused gospel, blues, soul and jazz. Her warm voice won over not only Americans, but also international audiences.

Social Commitment and Musical Success

Nina became a beloved figure, and her social commitment was directly reflected in her music. Through her covers of artists such as Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles and Miriam Makeba , she not only left a musical legacy, but also a clear message in favor of civil rights and African-American women in the United States.

She never accepted being pigeonholed, much less being called the "priestess of jazz," which she saw as a title imposed by the white world. With almost 70 albums throughout her 46-year career, Nina left a musical mark that remains a reference for artists of different generations. Many say that she was too big for a single life.

Nina's Journey: From the United States to France

Tired of racism and the stifling music world in the United States, Nina decided to leave her country after the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968. In 1974, she moved to Barbados and later lived in places like Holland, Switzerland and Paris, until she finally settled in the south of France.

When and where did Nina Simone die?

Nina Simone died at the age of 70 on April 21, 2003 in Carry-le-Rouet, France . Her cause of death was breast cancer, which she had been battling for years and which she somehow put aside every time she sat down at her piano.

What Happened to Nina Simone?

Nina's life has been documented in books, podcasts and films. From Keep Them Spinning , we invite you to watch Liz Garbus ' documentary What Happened, Miss Simone? , which shows the lights and shadows of her life and career, using previously unseen recordings and images.