February 19: Nina Simone: The Power of Protest Through Music
A Daily Journey Through Black History Month
Story
Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933, was more than a musician — she was a revolutionary force. A classically trained pianist with a rich, soulful voice, Simone defied categorization, seamlessly blending jazz, blues, classical, and gospel into a sound that was uniquely her own. But beyond her remarkable artistry, she used her music as a tool for resistance, giving voice to the struggles of Black Americans.
Her songs, like Mississippi Goddam—written in response to the 1963 murder of Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church—were bold and unapologetic. The song was banned in the South, but Simone remained undeterred. She continued to create powerful protest music, including To Be Young, Gifted and Black, inspired by her late friend Lorraine Hansberry, which became an anthem of Black pride and empowerment.
Simone’s music was not just entertainment—it was a call for justice and equality. She paid a price for her activism, facing industry backlash, financial struggles, and eventual exile. Yet, her legacy endures. Her influence can be heard in artists like Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and John Legend. Nina Simone was, and remains, a voice for the oppressed, a timeless icon of resistance and artistry.
Key Quotes
- “An artist’s duty is to reflect the times in which we live.”
- “I’ll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.”
- “I choose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty.”
- “Slavery has never been abolished from America’s way of thinking.”
- “You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.”
- “I’m just a soul whose intentions are good. Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood.”
Cultural Significance
- Activist Artist: Simone’s music amplified the voices of the oppressed and empowered movements for racial equality.
- Genre Defying: Her work crossed boundaries of jazz, soul, and classical music, creating a unique and powerful sound.
Fun Fact
Nina Simone was an aspiring classical pianist but turned to jazz after being denied entry to a prestigious music conservatory due to racial discrimination.
Trivia Challenge
Question: Which of Nina Simone’s songs became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement?
(A) Strange Fruit • (B) Mississippi Goddam •
(C) I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free • (D) A Change Is Gonna Come
Multimedia
- Watch: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free (Montreux 1976)
- Watch: “Backlash Blues/I Got Life/Revolution” • LIVE 1970 [Reelin’ In The Years Archive]
- Read: “Break Down & Let It All Out” by Sylvia Hampton and David Nathan — This work provides an intimate look into Simone’s life and career, enriched by personal anecdotes and interviews.
Yesterday’s Trivia Answer: February 18’s trivia question: B) The Empress of the Blues was Bessie Smith’s nickname.
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- Cultural Wrap-Up May 23, 2025 | Patti LaBelle … - May 23, 2025
The power of protest!🔥
My answer is letter (b) – Mississippi goddam