Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, was a renowned American singer, pianist, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Known as the "High Priestess of Soul," Simone's music encompassed a wide range of genres, including jazz, classical, folk, gospel, blues, and R&B. Her powerful and emotive voice, combined with her classical piano training, allowed her to create a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Simone was the sixth of eight children in a family where music was a significant part of life. Her mother was a Methodist preacher, and her father worked as an entertainer, barber, and dry-cleaner. From a young age, Simone showed prodigious talent on the piano, performing in church by the age of six. Her community recognized her potential, and benefactors helped fund her education at the Allen High School for Girls and later at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.

Despite her aspirations to become a classical concert pianist, Simone's path changed when she was denied admission to the Curtis Institute of Music, an event she attributed to racial discrimination. To support herself, she began performing in nightclubs, adopting the stage name "Nina Simone" to keep her work hidden from her family. Her nightclub performances in Atlantic City led to her debut album, "Little Girl Blue," in 1958, which included her breakout hit "I Loves You, Porgy."

Throughout the 1960s, Simone became deeply involved in the civil rights movement, using her music as a platform for protest and empowerment. Songs like "Mississippi Goddam" highlighted her commitment to social justice. Her friendships with figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X further cemented her role as an activist.

Simone's career was marked by both critical acclaim and personal challenges. Known for her passionate and sometimes volatile performances, she captivated audiences but also faced difficulties, including struggles with mental health and turbulent relationships. She married twice, first to Don Ross and later to Andrew Stroud, with whom she had a daughter, Lisa Simone.

Disillusioned by racism in the United States, Simone left the country in 1973, living in Barbados, Africa, and Europe. Despite health issues, she continued to perform and gained new fans through the resurgence of her music in commercials and films. Her legacy as a pioneering artist and activist endures, and she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

Nina Simone passed away on April 21, 2003, in Carry-le-Rouet, France, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and activism that continues to inspire generations.