a blues for Nina…
Yesterday would have been Nina Simone’s 79th birthday. I first discovered Ms. Nina a long time ago. I can’t recall what I was watching, but “Feeling Good” was playing in the background and I fell instantly in love. Ms. Nina needs no vocal histrionics; she doesn’t use riffs or tricks. It is just her and her voice…that voice that is equally melancholy and inspiring. That voice that reaches in and grabs ahold of your soul and refuses to let go. As if you would want it to…
I would be remiss in honoring Ms. Nina, since she sings part of the soundtrack to my life. The part of heartache and yearning, the part of desire and wanting, the part of admission and adoration. My admiration for Ms. Nina goes deep…I am not just a surface fan. True, my introduction to her was one of her most popular songs. What I discovered, however, is that you don’t get to the essence of Ms. Nina until you listen to the other stuff that would never get played on the radio. “Don’t Explain,” “Lilac Wine,” and “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair” are just some of my favorites. The thing about Ms. Nina is that you can put her CD on and just leave it. She takes you up and down, in and out, around and through…and you are grateful for the journey. Ms. Nina teaches you how to respect yourself; she instructs you on being a woman; she opens your eyes to the world and pushes you to stand on your own.
I can’t imagine what I would do without her.
Happy Birthday, Ms. Nina.
Uploaded by TheJazzStreet on Jun 14, 2009
Ou l’amour s ‘ra roi,
~ M
Tags: Nina Simone
Exactly right!! “she doesn’t use riffs or tricks. It is just her and her voice…that voice that is equally melancholy and inspiring. ” And this is why I am a fan! There will never be another comparable to Ms Nina Simone!
Me too, Regina. There is truth in her voice; that’s why I love her so much. Ms. Nina doesn’t have to disguise her pain and anguish. In fact, her voice is perfect for allowing her pain to be seen and felt. There is nothing quite like a Nina Simone song.