Nina was a child prodigy. She started playing the piano at the age of three and took classical music lessons while playing piano in her mother’s church.
BEFORE the ASCENSION
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BEFORE the NORTH STAR
Nina graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and started studying at the Juilliard School in New York with the dream and passion to become the world’s first African American classical pianist
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BEFORE becoming ETERNAL
Nina’s ambitious goal was crushed after being denied a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia to continue her formal music training. This had a profound effect on her life because she believed the opportunity was denied based on racial discrimination.
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ASCENSION
In a bold move Nina decides to chart her own path to success and begins performing in Atlantic City nightclubs. Her unique style of Jazz, Folk, Blues, Pop, and Classical music thrust her into stardom with her Top 10 Hit version of “I Loves You, Porgy” from the musical Porgy and Bess.
Nina used her platform and voice to create revolutionary music for the Civil Rights Movement. Her hit songs like “Mississippi Goddam”, Billie Holliday’s “Strange Fruit”, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black”, “Old Jim Crow” and “I wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” spoke to a generation in search of their voice and freedom.
NORTH STAR
Nina’s career suffered from her outspokenness about civil rights issues. She risked everything she had to offer the World to see her people rise up against oppression.
ETERNAL
Nina Simone's legacy challenges us to be unapologetically ourselves, to stand up against injustice, and to let our voices be heard.
She reminds us that art can be a catalyst for change and that the power of one's voice, whether through music or activism, can transform the world.
IMPACT