Nina Simone: podcast appearances and interviews

Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, was an American composer, concert pianist, singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. She was known for her stage presence and her ability to blend musical styles including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R B, and pop. Her piano playing was influenced by baroque and classical music, notably Johann Sebastian Bach, and she was recognized for her expressive contralto singing. Rolling Stone has listed her as one of the greatest singers. Born the sixth of eight children in North Carolina, Simone initially aimed to be a concert pianist. She attended Allen High School for Girls with the support of a local fund and spent a summer at the Juilliard School. She hoped to study at the Curtis Institute of Music but was denied admission, which she attributed to racism. Early in her career, Simone played piano at a nightclub in Atlantic City to earn a living. To conceal her identity from her family, she adopted the name Nina Simone and began singing to accompany herself, which launched her career as a jazz vocalist. Her debut album was Little Girl Blue in 1958, and she released more than 40 albums until 1974. Her first major hit in the United States was 'I Loves You, Porgy' in 1959. She was active in the civil rights movement and later resided in France following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Throughout her life, she continued performing across the world and published her autobiography in 1991.