Simone's first hit was her rendition of "I Loves You, Porgy," which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958.
Nina Simone was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the late 1980s, which influenced her life and career significantly.
Nina Simone was not only a talented musician but also a passionate civil rights activist, using her music to address social issues.
Biography
Early Life
Nina Simone was born on February 21, 1933, in the United States. She was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, who would later become a prominent civil rights activist. Her early exposure to music was evident as she began playing piano at a young age, influenced by classical music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. This foundation would shape her unique style that blended various genres including jazz, blues, gospel, and soul.
Career
Simone's career took off with her first hit, a rendition of George Gershwin's "I Loves You, Porgy" in 1958, which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, she released numerous acclaimed albums, including "Little Girl Blue," "The Amazing Nina Simone," and "I Put a Spell on You." Her music often contained powerful social commentary, particularly regarding race and identity, as seen in her song "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," inspired by her friendship with playwright Lorraine Hansberry. Simone's artistry was characterized by her contralto voice and expressive piano playing, earning her the title of the "High Priestess of Soul."
Activism and Legacy
Beyond her musical achievements, Simone was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, using her platform to address social issues. Songs like "Four Women" challenged Eurocentric beauty standards imposed on Black women. Despite facing personal struggles, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, Simone's influence on music and activism remains profound. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 and received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Hall of Fame Award for her interpretation of "I Loves You, Porgy." Nina Simone passed away on April 21, 2003, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and activists alike.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
A Single Woman1993
- 1.A Single Woman3:34
- 2.Lonesome Cities3:09
- 3.If I Should Lose You3:59
- 4.The Folks Who Live On the Hill3:40
- 5.Love’s Been Good to Me3:59
- 6.Papa, Can You Hear Me?4:23
- 7.Il n’y a pas d’amour heureux6:26
- 8.Just Say I Love Him4:29
- 9.The More I See You2:42
- 10.Marry Me2:47
Nina’s Back1985
- 1.It's Cold Out Here
- 2.Porgy
- 3.I Sing Just to Know That I'm Alive
- 4.For a While
- 5.Fodder on Her Wings
- 6.Touching and Caring
- 7.Saratoga
- 8.You Must Have Another Lover
Fodder on My Wings1982
- 1.I Sing Just to Know That I’m Alive2:24
- 2.Fodder in Her Wings5:35
- 3.Vous etes seuls, mais je désire etre avec vous4:30
- 4.Il y a un baume à Gilead2:22
- 5.Liberian Calypso2:59
- 6.Alone Again Naturally6:28
- 7.I Was Just a Stupid Dog to Them2:26
- 8.Color Is a Beautiful Thing1:04
- 9.Le peuple en Suisse4:58
- 10.Heaven Belongs to You3:39
- 11.Thandewye5:31
- 12.Stop2:20
- 13.They Took My Hand0:34
Baltimore1978
- 1.Baltimore4:37
- 2.Everything Must Change3:57
- 3.The Family4:57
- 4.My Father4:54
- 5.Music for Lovers3:40
- 6.Rich Girl3:11
- 7.That’s All I Want From You2:52
- 8.Forget2:54
- 9.Balm in Gilead2:24
- 10.If You Pray Right3:17
Gospel According to Nina Simone1973
- 1.Anytime, Anywhere3:05
- 2.Sunday in Savannah2:20
- 3.You Can’t Hide3:00
- 4.Nobody’s Fault But Mine4:05
- 5.To Be Young, Gifted & Black3:25
- 6.Brown Baby4:50
- 7.Sinnerman12:30
Here Comes the Sun1971
- 1.Here Comes the Sun3:31
- 2.Just Like a Woman4:38
- 3.O-o-h Child3:14
- 4.Mr Bojangles4:58
- 5.New World Coming4:40
- 6.Angel of the Morning3:29
- 7.How Long Must I Wander6:16
- 8.My Way5:08
Gifted & Black1970
- 1.Black Is the Color3:06
- 2.Since My Love Is Gone3:57
- 3.Blue Prelude4:36
- 4.Spring Is Here4:19
- 5.Porgy3:59
- 6.Remind Me3:41
- 7.Near to You4:22
- 8.The Thrill Is Gone5:32
To Love Somebody1969
- 1.Suzanne4:16
- 2.Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)3:37
- 3.Revolution, Parts 1 & 24:36
- 4.To Love Somebody2:38
- 5.I Shall Be Released4:00
- 6.I Can’t See Nobody3:06
- 7.Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues4:48
- 8.The Times They Are A‐Changin’5:59
Nina Simone and Piano!1969
- 1.Seems I’m Never Tired of Lovin’ You2:58
- 2.Nobody’s Fault but Mine2:56
- 3.I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today3:18
- 4.Everyone’s Gone to the Moon3:05
- 5.Compensation1:35
- 6.Who Am I4:09
- 7.Another Spring3:29
- 8.The Human Touch2:07
- 9.I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)4:45
- 10.The Desperate Ones4:38
Silk & Soul1967
- 1.It Be's That Way Sometime2:58
- 2.The Look of Love2:23
- 3.Go to Hell2:49
- 4.Love O' Love5:06
- 5.Cherish3:22
- 6.I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free3:09
- 7.Turn Me On2:26
- 8.Turning Point2:01
- 9.Some Say2:10
- 10.Consummation4:10
Nina Simone Sings the Blues1967
- 1.Do I Move You?2:47
- 2.Day and Night2:36
- 3.In the Dark2:58
- 4.Real Real2:22
- 5.My Man’s Gone Now4:17
- 6.Backlash Blues2:30
- 7.I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl2:33
- 8.Buck1:53
- 9.Since I Fell for You2:53
- 10.The House of the Rising Sun3:54
- 11.Blues for Mama3:58
High Priestess of Soul1967
- 1.Don’t You Pay Them No Mind3:06
- 2.I’m Gonna Leave You2:19
- 3.Brown Eyed Handsome Man2:06
- 4.Keeper of the Flame3:23
- 5.The Gal From Joe’s2:47
- 6.Take Me to the Water2:50
- 7.I’m Going Back Home2:52
- 8.I Hold No Grudge2:22
- 9.Come Ye3:39
- 10.He Ain’t Comin’ Home No More3:13
- 11.Work Song3:09
- 12.I Love My Baby4:07
Nina Simone With Strings1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
Wild Is the Wind1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
I Put a Spell on You1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Let It All Out1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Pastel Blues1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Broadway Blues Ballads1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Starring Nina Simone with George Wallington1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Nina’s Choice1963
Tracklist not collected yet.
Nina Simone Sings Ellington1962
Tracklist not collected yet.
Forbidden Fruit1961
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Amazing Nina Simone1959
Tracklist not collected yet.
Nina Simone and Her Friends: An Intimate Variety of Vocal Charm1959
Tracklist not collected yet.
Little Girl Blue1958
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Bethlehem Records
- Record label
- Charly Records
Achievements
- Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Award
- honorary doctorate
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Eunice Kathleen Waymon, Nina Simone & Her Orchestra, Nina Simons, Simone, ニーナ・シモン
American singer, songwriter and pianist and civil rights activist (1933–2003)
Nina Simone was an American composer, concert pianist, singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Simone's bearing and stage presence earned her the title the High Priestess of Soul. Her music spanned styles including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop. Her piano playing was strongly influenced by baroque and classical music, especially Johann Sebastian Bach, and accompanied expressive, jazz-like singing in her contralto voice. Rolling Stone named Simone one of the greatest singers on various lists.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…