Our Monthly Muse  ~ Nina Simone ~ The High Priestess of Soul. ⁠
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Nina's music came into my life when I was a child and it has remained a source of joy and inspiration to me always. ⁠
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Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21st 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina. Age 3, Nina began piano lessons and it became apparent very quickly that she was a musical prodigy. The community of Tryon supported her talent and encouraged her to continue learning and performing. ⁠
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Initially aspiring to be a classical pianist, her training continued and she played piano in nightclubs under the name 'Nina Simone' to disguise what she was doing from family members. It was during this time that she transitioned into a jazz vocalist. ⁠
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Her first album, "Little Girl Blue," released in 1958, included the hit "I Loves You, Porgy," which propelled her to stardom. ⁠
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There are too many favourites to list but Mr Bojangles, I Shall Be Released, Mississippi Goddam, My Baby Just Cares For Me and Baltimore are a few that really stand out here at the studio. ⁠
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A musical genius and a Civil Rights Activist, Nina went on to record and perform throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, both in the United States and abroad, leaving behind a legacy as a powerful and influential artist. ⁠
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Nina died on in France April 21, 2003 and today 22 years after her death, we honour her with this post. We are forever grateful to her for the legacy and music that she left behind for us to enjoy.