In A Mellow Tone
Wednesday February 21st, 2024 with Heavy Ben
Black History Month profile on Nina Simone

Today we delve into the captivating life and music of the legendary Nina Simone. Nina Simone: A Musical Trailblazer Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on this date February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, was far more than just a singer. She was a force of nature—a pianist, composer, arranger, and civil rights activist. Her music transcended genres, weaving together classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop. Simone’s raw, soul-stirring voice and her ability to infuse every note with urgency left an indelible mark on the world. From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Heights Simone grew up as the sixth of eight children in a humble family. Her father, John Divine Waymon, worked as a barber, dry-cleaner, and entertainer, while her mother, Mary Kate Irvin, was a Methodist preacher. At the tender age of three or four, Nina discovered her love for the piano. Her first song? “God Be With You, Till We Meet Again.” She performed at her local church, captivating audiences with her prodigious talent. But it was during her concert debut—a classical recital at the age of twelve—that the seeds of her activism were sown. As her parents sat in the front row, they were abruptly moved to the back of the hall to make way for white attendees. Nina refused to play until her parents were returned to their rightful place. This incident fueled her commitment to the civil rights movement, and her music became a powerful vehicle for change. The Journey to Becoming Nina Simone To pursue her dream of becoming a concert pianist, Simone left North Carolina and headed to New York City. She enrolled at the Juilliard School of Music, where her passion for music blossomed. However, her application to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia was rejected—she believed due to racism. In 2003, just before her passing, the Institute finally awarded her an honorary degree. Simone’s career took an unexpected turn when she began playing piano at an Atlantic City nightclub. To avoid family disapproval, she adopted the stage name “Nina Simone”. There, she discovered her true calling: jazz vocals. Her expressive contralto voice, influenced by baroque and classical music, resonated with audiences worldwide. A Legacy of Liberation and Passion Over her illustrious career, Nina Simone recorded more than 40 albums, starting with her debut, “Little Girl Blue”. Her hit single “I Loves You, Porgy” made waves in the United States in 1958. But her impact extended beyond music. She fearlessly used her art to advocate for civil rights, empowerment, and love. So, dear listeners, get ready to immerse yourselves in the soulful melodies, the fierce activism, and the unforgettable spirit of Nina Simone. From the piano keys to the heartstrings, her legacy lives on. Welcome to "In A Mellow Tone" and this installation of Black History Month programming! 🎶🎹🎤 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The BBC published an article this week on Nina Simone and "black classical music". https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240215-in-history-nina-simone-how-racial-injustice-fuelled-her-songs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Painting by Al "Bender" Buchanan (1980-2018). Bender was a rapper in Ottawa-based Flight Distance and died at the age of 37. I bought this painting of Nina Simone at Bender's art show at Oz Kafe on Elgin Street—where I was DJing—in the early 2010s. (to embiggen the show icon, right-click and choose "Open image in new tab")