Origins & Early Life

Nina Simone ( NEE-nə sim-OHN; born Eunice Kathleen Waymon; February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003) was an American composer, concert pianist, singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Simone's bearing and stage presence earned her the title the High Priestess of Soul. Her music spanned styles including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop. Her piano playing was strongly influenced by baroque and classical music, especially Johann Sebastian Bach, and accompanied expressive, jazz-like singing in her contralto voice.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Rolling Stone named Simone one of the greatest singers on various lists. The sixth of eight children born into a respected family in North Carolina, Simone initially aspired to be a concert pianist. With the help of a local fund set up in her hometown, she enrolled at Allen High School for Girls, then spent a summer at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, preparing to apply for a scholarship to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. She failed to gain admission to Curtis, which she attributed to racism. She remained musically active until her death in 2003, two days after the institute awarded her an honorary degree.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Early in her...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Adolph Caesar — Contemporary (Born in 1933) (1933): Acclaimed American actor known for his deep voice and Off-Broadway staple status.
• Alberto Sordi — Contemporary (Died in 2003) (2003): Pillar of Italian Cinema, master of Commedia all'italiana comedy.
• Althea Gibson — Contemporary (Died in 2003) (2003): Pioneering American tennis and golf star who broke racial barriers in sports.
• Barry White — Contemporary (Died in 2003) (2003): Iconic R&B, Soul, and Disco Singer known for his powerful bass voice.
• Abhijit Banerjee — Shared historical date (02-21 · Born) (1961): Pioneering economist known for using scientific evidence to combat global poverty.
• Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi — Shared historical date (02-21 · Died) (1543): Imam and General of the Adal Sultanate, known for conquering Abyssinia.
• Andie MacDowell — Shared historical date (04-21 · Born) (1958): Acclaimed American actress and model known for romantic and dramatic roles.
• Anselm of Canterbury — Shared historical date (04-21 · Died) (1109): Benedictine philosopher and theologian, pivotal figure in medieval Church history.
• 1933 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1933
• February 21 (02-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 21
• 2003 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2003
• April 21 (04-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 21