Nina Simone
Nina Simone
Nina Simonewas an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist who worked in a broad range of musical styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionJazz Singer
Date of Birth21 February 1933
CityTyron, NC
CountryUnited States of America
philadelphia racism black
I applied for a scholarship to Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. I knew I was good enough, but they turned me down. And it took me about six months to realize it was because I was black. I never really got over that jolt of racism at the time.
freedom years excellence
I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about... Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.
sorry thinking black
I'm sorry that I did not become the world's first black classic pianist. I think I would have been happier.
african-american no-excuses young
There's no excuse for the young...
children breathing everyday
Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
music rights people
I was always a politician from the day the civil rights people chose me as their protest singer.
people black alive
It's a good time for black people to be alive.
faults humans
I'm just human, I have faults like anyone
black young gifted
To be young, gifted and black!
fun people feels
I feel what they feel. And people who listen to me know that, and it makes them feel like they're not alone.
dream kissing years
This may be a dream, but I'll say it anyway: I was supposed to be married last year, and I bought a gown. When I meet Nelson Mandela, I shall put on this gown and have the train of it removed and put aside, and kiss the ground that he walks on and then kiss his feet.
alive chance feels
I feel more alive now than I ever have in my life. I have a chance to live, as I've dreamed.
real reality causes
I'm a real rebel with a cause.
giving next give-me
You don't have to live next to me / Just give me my equality.