As society continues to wrestle with racial and socio-political tensions, the release of two new Nina Simone-related projects — the documentary What Happened, Miss Simone? and star-studded tribute album, Nina Revisited — feel incredibly appropriate. There couldn’t be a better time to look through the the iconic singer’s life and legacy for hope, guidance, and inspiration.
Though her name will forever be legendary in blues, jazz, and soul circles, she was more than just a mere musician: Simone was an artist who spoke truthfully of life and the landscape around her, even when the masses forbade it, even when the truth was ugly and painful.
She may not be walking among us any longer, but her fighting spirit lives on throughout her more than 40 albums and releases, many of which continue to influence new generations of strong, socially aware, and talented soul/blues singers. We’ve gathered together some of those modern-day acts and asked them to reflect on Simone and all that she represents.