Nina Simone
Nina Simone (1933–2003) was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter whose work spanned jazz, blues, classical, and soul.
Known for her distinctive contralto voice and virtuosic piano, she became closely associated with the civil rights movement through songs like "Mississippi Goddam" and "To Be Young, Gifted and Black." Her rendition of "Feeling Good" remains iconic.
She called her music "Black classical music" rather than jazz.
Famous beyond ordinary measure
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- timelessUnaffected by eras
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- influentialHaving considerable effect
seminal · iconic · groundbreaking · venerated · unforgettable · monumental · classic · celebrated
Guaranteed individual legal protections
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- Black PowerRacial pride movement
- liberationRelease from constraint
segregation · integration · justice · equality · resistance · oppression · advocacy · human rights
Sacred choral tradition
- rhythm and bluesPostwar Black popular music
- soulfulExpressing deep emotion
- heartfeltDeeply and sincerely meant
- spiritualRelating to the soul
feeling · sincerity · warmth · groove · passion · fervor · richness · authenticity
Subdued, lasting sadness
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
anguish · despair · hope · grief · bittersweet · catharsis · vulnerability · intensity
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
- standardsAccepted levels of quality
- pianoKeyed percussion instrument
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- blue noteFlatted pitch in jazz
swing · modal · harmony · Porgy and Bess · interpretation · phrasing · arrangement · virtuoso
legendary
Famous beyond ordinary measure
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- timelessUnaffected by eras
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
influential · seminal · iconic · groundbreaking · venerated · unforgettable · monumental · classic · celebrated · revered
civil rights
Guaranteed individual legal protections
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- freedomAbsence of constraint
- Black PowerRacial pride movement
liberation · segregation · integration · justice · equality · resistance · oppression · advocacy · human rights · boycott
gospel
Sacred choral tradition
- rhythm and bluesPostwar Black popular music
- soulfulExpressing deep emotion
- heartfeltDeeply and sincerely meant
spiritual · feeling · sincerity · warmth · groove · passion · fervor · richness · authenticity · voice
melancholy
Subdued, lasting sadness
yearning · anguish · despair · hope · grief · bittersweet · catharsis · vulnerability · intensity · rawness
improvisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
blue note · swing · modal · harmony · Porgy and Bess · interpretation · phrasing · arrangement · virtuoso · classical training
- Famous Simones
- Female SingersAdele, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Cher
- North CaroliniansAndrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, James K. Polk, Billy Graham, Michael Jordan
- ComposersBach, Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Haydn
- Blues WomenBessie Smith, Etta James
- Pianistspianist, concert pianist, Lang Lang, Thelonious Monk, Franz Liszt
Nina Simoneelevator music
Inoffensive ambient background audio
Pat Boone · Perry Como · easy listening · muzak · The Carpenters
Nina SimoneDoris Day
Debbie Reynolds · crowd-pleaser · Karen Carpenter · Julie Andrews · Marie Osmond