Eunice Waymon grew up in a household filled with gospel. Her mother, a minister, recognized her musical talent early on, encouraging her piano skills despite not approving of nonreligious music like blues and jazz.
Graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, Her academic success earned her a scholarship to Juilliard School in New York City. However, financial struggles led her to leave Juilliard early. She continued to pursue her passion, preparing diligently for the entrance exam to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Despite her talent, she faced rejection from Curtis, which she believed stemmed from racial bias, sparking her lifelong commitment to challenge injustice through her art.
In 1954, she found herself performing in Atlantic City’s Midtown Bar and Grill under the stage name Nina Simone. Her performances captivated audiences, paving the way for her rise as a prominent figure in the cultural scene of 1960s New York City. Along with other African Americans looking to connect with their African heritage, Simone took part in a 1961 American Society of African Culture conference in Lagos, Nigeria. These experiences prompted Simone to get involved with the Civil Rights Movement.
She released the iconic protest song “Mississippi Goddam” in 1964, in reaction to the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama and the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, both in 1963. Her music transcended entertainment, becoming a potent tool for social commentary and empowerment. Songs like “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black” aimed to make African American children feel good about themselves and “Four Women” expressed the suffering and resilience of African American women.
As the intensity of the Civil Rights Movement faded in the 1970s, Simone’s disillusionment with the United States grew, leading her to relocate to France. Despite the physical distance, her music continued to resonate.
Nina Simone passed away at her home in Carry-le-Rouet France in 2003.
HELLA INSPIRED.
