Nina Simone

Nina Simone (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and activist in the Civil Rights Movement. She employed a broad range of musical styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop.

Eunice Waymon wanted to be a concert pianist and with the help of a few supporters in her hometown she enrolled in the Juilliard School of Music in New York.

To make a living, Eunice Waymon changed her name to “Nina Simone”.  This is said to be because her family were deeply religious and would not approve of her singing and playing anything but church music. She began playing piano at a nightclub in Atlantic City and this effectively launched her career as a jazz artist.

Nina Simone’s musical style eventually became a fusion of gospel and pop with classical and accompanied by her expressive, jazz-like  contralto voice. In 2018, Simone will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Backing Tracks

Ain’t Got No

Feeling Good

I Put A Spell On You

I Wish I Knew

Just Like A Woman

Mr Bojangles

My Baby Just Cares For Me

Nina Simone Backing Tracks