Date of Birth: February 21, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: April 21, 2003
Biography
Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. She was born on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina. Simone’s musical style spanned a broad range of genres including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop. Her unique voice and profound ability to convey emotion through her music earned her the title “High Priestess of Soul.” Simone began playing piano at an early age and aspired to be a classical pianist. However, after being denied a scholarship to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, she turned to more popular music genres. Her debut album, “Little Girl Blue,” was released in 1958, and her rendition of “I Loves You, Porgy” became a hit. Throughout her career, Simone became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, using her music to address racial inequality and social injustice. Songs like “Mississippi Goddam,” “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” and “Four Women” became anthems for the movement. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, Simone’s legacy as a pioneering artist and activist remains influential. Nina Simone passed away on April 21, 2003, in Carry-le-Rouet, France.
5 Interesting Facts about Nina Simone
1. Nina Simone was classically trained and had ambitions to become the first African American classical pianist.
2. She changed her name to Nina Simone to avoid her mother’s disapproval of her playing “the devil’s music” in nightclubs.
3. Simone was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and her music often reflected her activism.
4. She was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000.
5. Simone lived in several countries throughout her life, including Liberia, Switzerland, and France.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nina Simone
1. “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.”
2. “You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.”
3. “I’ll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.”
4. “My people will become free one day. The only thing I can do is to do what I do best.”
5. “Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being, a way of thinking.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of her career, Nina Simone’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Nina Simone had one daughter, Lisa Celeste Stroud, who is also known by her stage name Simone and is a singer and actress.
Relevant Links
1. [Nina Simone Biography – The Official Home of Nina Simone](http://www.ninasimone.com/
2. [Nina Simone – Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/musician/nina-simone
3. [Nina Simone – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/nina-simone
4. [Nina Simone – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0800379/
5. [Nina Simone – AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nina-simone-mn0000412009
