Nina Simone

Nina Simone was a musician. She was born on February 21, 1933 in Tryone, NC with the name Eunice Kathleen Waymon. She was also known as High Priestess of Souls or Dr. Nina Simone. She loved jazz, Soul, Folk, R&B, Gospel and a little bit of pop songs. She was a pianist, a singer, a song writer, and a civil rights activist. She also began playing piano at her local church and showed her talents on her piano. Although she hated being categorized[to be put into a large group of people] she is classified as a Jazz musician. As a kid, Nina always loved music and always clapped to the beat at her church. Nina has recorded at least 40 live and studio albums. She won 2 honorary degrees in music and humanities.

Beginning with her album "Nina Simone In Concert" in 1964, Nina Simone included messages in support of the civil rights movement in most of her songs. She continued to speak out against racial inequality for the rest of her career.

Nina Simone died in 2003 in France on April 21 of cancer. She died in her sleep when she was 70.

By: Patrick M.