High Priestess of Soul

(Inductee Insights: Nina Simone)

Nina Simone (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003) recorded more than 40 albums between 1958 and 1974.She made her debut with the album “Little Girl Blue” 1958.Simone’s musical style fused gospel and pop with classical music.Her first hit song in America was her rendition of George Gershwin’s “I Loves You,Porgy” 1958.  It peaked at number 18 on the Billboard magazine Hot 100 chart.During that same period Simone recorded “My Baby Just Cares For Me” , which would become her biggest success years later, in 1987, after it was featured in a 1986 Chanel No.5 perfume commercial.Simone’s bearing and stage presence earned her the title “High Priestess of Soul”.Well-known songs “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” , “I Put a Spell on You” , “Ne Me Quitte Pas” , “Feeling Good” , “Lilac Wine” , “Wild is the Wind” , “Sinner Man” , “Strange Fruit” , “Ain’t Got No,I Got Life” , a medley from the musical Hair from the album “Nuff Said!” reaching number 4 on the UK Singles chart.”To Love Somebody” also reached the UK Top 10 in 1969.Simone is regarded as one of the most influential recording artists of the 20th century.