The Lifeof Nina Simone

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The Life of Nina Simone Nina Simone was a talented African American artist of all time. She was a soulful artist and civil right activist that created a unique legacy of blues, jazz and folk music in the 1950’s and 60’s. Her rebellious personality and her justifiable arrogance showed that she was proud of her history and where she came from. Nina Simone had an empowerment about her that commanded her audience to listen through her lyrics in her music and her power of her fingers on the piano. Nina Simone was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in Tryon, North Carolina on February 21, 1933. Her talent began at the age of three. She was able to play any song that she heard by ear on the piano. Her talents soon helped her establish a scholarship to study at Julliard University in New York City. When her funds ran low to continue school, she had no choice but to leave the university and move to Philadelphia where she could save money to be able to go to a more affordable music program. When she was rejected from Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, she soon felt that her music career as an African American classical pianist was over and racism played a big part in her not being able to attend. Even though her original dream was shattered, her incredible career internationally was just beginning. Life was hard for African American musicians during the 1950’s and 60’s. Racism was at its all-time high. However, that did not stop Nina Simone. Her deep, rich, velvet vocals along with her amazing skills on the keyboard attracted many fans and her reputation as an engaging live performer grew. She began recording in the late 1950’s with the Bethlehem label releasing her first album in 1958. Her first recording was “Plain Gold Ring” and Little Girl Blue” and “I Loves You Porgy,” from the George Gershwin musical Porgy and Bess was a top 40 pop hit. Nina Simone

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