Nina Simone
Nina Simone is a celebrated American Musician, born in 1933, known for their distinctive work in the field.
American singer, songwriter and pianist and civil rights activist (1933–2003)
"Her performance and subsequent release of 'Mississippi Goddam' in 1964 marked a pivotal moment." — About Nina Simone
| Metric | Nina Simone | Avg Musician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 70 | 57 | +13 yrs |
| Career length | 52 yrs | ~35 yrs | +17 yrs |
| Based on 830 Musician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Nina Simone
Did you know that Nina Simone, despite her iconic status in jazz and soul, originally aspired to be a classical concert pianist and studied at the prestigious Juilliard School?
- Her birth name was Eunice Kathleen Waymon; she adopted 'Nina Simone' to hide her jazz club performances from her minister mother.
- She initially dreamed of being the first Black classical concert pianist, studying at New York's Juilliard School.
- She was denied a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music, which she firmly believed was due to racial discrimination.
- Her iconic protest song 'Mississippi Goddam' was written in response to the murder of Medgar Evers and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.
- She lived abroad for many years, including in Barbados, Liberia, Switzerland, and France, disillusioned with racial injustice in the U.S.
Her performance and subsequent release of 'Mississippi Goddam' in 1964 marked a pivotal moment. This powerful protest song, written in direct response to racial violence, solidified her role as an outspoken voice for the Civil Rights Movement, risking her commercial success for her convictions.
Nina Simone's legacy endures as a fearless artist who defied genre boundaries, using her unique musical genius and raw emotion to champion civil rights and human dignity. She remains a powerful symbol of artistic integrity and social activism.