The Musicality of Nina Simone

I recently came across a remix CD of Nina Simone songs, released a couple of years ago. While the remix (by a variety of DJs) was not my cup of tea, I do like some of her original tracks. Simone, who died in 2003, was an accomplished pianist who played and sang everything from jazz to blues to folk.

If the websites and online chatter are any indication, she has quite the cult following, especially in Europe. She started out doing jazz standards and conforming to the traditional wardrobe and "proper" demeanor of the time. [Video#1]


Then something happened, I don't know if it was the civil rights movement, or simply the musical freedom of the mid-to-late 60s, but she became more spirited and less conservative in her approach. [Videos #2 and 3]

I am glad that Simone's artistry remains relevant thanks to remixes,YouTube, fan websites, and tributes by song stylists such as Christina Aguilera.