Nina Simone, an iconic American musical figure of the 20th century, left an indelible mark as a singer, musician, pianist, songwriter, and social activist. Born in Tryon, North Carolina, on February 21, 1933, she emerged from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential figures in blues and jazz.

Throughout her prolific career, she released 40 albums and produced international hits like ‘Sinner Man’ and ‘Feeling Good,’ solidifying her status as a musical and fashion icon.

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Nina Simone’s Family and Relatives

Father	John Divine Waymon
Mother	Mary Kate Waymon
Brothers	Not Known
Sisters	Not Known
Boyfriends / Girlfriends	Donald Ross (m. 1958-1960) Andy Stroud (m. 1961-1971)
Marital Status	Single
Partner	Not Known
Sons	Not Known
Daughters	Lisa Simone

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Interesting Facts About Nina Simone

• Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, the sixth of eight children, she survived dire poverty in her early years. Her journey with music began at the age of four, playing the piano, and later, she resolved to pursue a musical career during her teenage years.

• Early performances in local churches served as both training and battleground against racial discrimination. Nina’s fight against racism was fortified by experiences where her family was asked to move to accommodate white attendees during her church performances.

• Despite financial constraints, Nina’s music teacher helped arrange funds for her education. She eventually graduated from ‘Allen High School for Girls.’

• Facing rejection due to suspected racial discrimination, Nina settled in Philadelphia, studying music privately and teaching to support herself.

• Transitioning to jazz and blues in the 1950s, she adopted the stage name “Nina Simone” and gained a significant fan base, including notable figures like James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry.

• Nina released her debut album in 1957 under ‘Bethlehem Records,’ featuring chart-topping numbers like ‘I Loves You, Porgy.’

• Her career soared through the 1960s with albums like ‘The Amazing Nina Simone,’ ‘Nina Simone Sings Ellington!,’ and ‘Wild Is the Wind,’ showcasing her versatility in various genres.

• Renowned as the “High Priestess of Soul,” Nina Simone incorporated gospel, folk, and classical influences into her music.

• Beyond music, Nina devoted herself to the ‘Civil Rights Movement,’ protesting against racial injustice and writing songs like ‘Four Women’ and ‘Young, Gifted and Black.’

• Frustrated with racial divisions in the late 1960s, Nina left the U.S., residing in European countries such as England, Switzerland, and finally, France.

• Struggling with mental health issues in the 1970s, Nina made a comeback with the critically appreciated album ‘Baltimore’ in 1978.

• Despite a lack of new recordings in the 1980s and 1990s, her live performances remained popular. ‘A Single Woman’ (1993) was her last album.

• Nina Simone’s influence extended to major artists, with her songs featured in films and TV shows. She inspired musicians like Marilyn Manson, Elton John, Adele, and Taylor Swift.

• Married to manager Andy Stroud in 1961, Nina divorced him in the early 1970s, citing violent behavior. She was previously married to Donald Ross and is survived by a daughter, Lisa Celeste Stroud.

• Nina battled bipolar disorder from 1980 and faced breast cancer in her final years. She passed away in her sleep on April 21, 2001, with her ashes scattered across the African continent.

• Recognized as one of the most influential musicians, Nina Simone received posthumous honors, including a place in the ‘North Carolina Music Hall of Fame’ in 2009 and a street named after her in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

• Nominated for the ‘Grammy Awards’ four times, Nina Simone’s inspiring life story lives on in biographies by David Nathan, Richard Williams, and Andy Stroud.

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