Nina Simone was a complicated woman. That complexity was one of many things about her that launched her to stardom as one of the most revered and beloved jazz and R&B singer/songwriters of her generation. Her discography is hefty and full of beautiful work, so choosing just four essential songs from Nina Simone feels almost impossible. Regardless, these four tracks are just a few favorites that new fans should listen to.
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1. “Feeling Good”
No song in Nina Simone’s discography is as essential (or synonymous with her fame) as “Feeling Good”. This track was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1960s musical The Roar Of The Greasepaint – The Smell Of The Crowd. But at this point, only diehard theater kids think of that musical over Simone when this song comes on.
“Feeling Good” has been covered about a million times since it first came out, but no version is quite like Simone’s. Her voice is velvety, deep, and precise; all hallmarks of her ability as a vocalist.
2. “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”
Simone’s gospel work is often overlooked in favor of her bigger, jazzier hits. “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” is just one stunning gospel-blues song that she covered with impeccable ability. Originally recorded in 1927 by Willie Johnson, Simone’s version has a bit more groove and swing to it.
In a way, Simone’s connection to the song is heartbreaking. Her relationship with her religious mother and religion as a whole wasn’t exactly healthy, and that context makes her cover even more devastating.
3. “Mississippi Goddam”
Essential Nina Simone songs are often political ones, “Mississippi Goddam” being one of the most direct ones. Simone was heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century, and this self-penned tune was one of several of her songs one could consider “protest songs”.
She used her position at the time as a famous crooner to do her part to bring about change, and she definitely did so with this arresting song.
4. “I Put A Spell On You”
Like “Feeling Good”, “I Put A Spell On You” is one of Nina Simone’s most well-known and essential songs. Another cover originally composed by Jalacy Hawkins in the 1950s, Simone’s take was a much smoother, more refined version of the original somewhat strange blues tune. Her voice is at its very best in this song.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
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