Nina Simone had a voice like no other. Her rich, low tenor was rare among women—we usually expect high and light tones from female singers—but Simone made her low range soar. And she was more than a singer: she was also a classically-trained pianist, using both skills in her marvelous recordings.
The superstar of jazz and blues, gospel and folk died April 21, 2003. In tribute to Simone’s fantastic range as a performer, we’re showcasing the wide variety of music she played.
A jazzy piano-driven version of “Ain’t Got No… I’ve Got Life” from the rock musical Hair.
The soulful ballad “I Loves You Porgy” from Porgy and Bess was one of Simone’s standards.
