Ms. Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003) was an American singer, songwriter, poet, social justice activist, mother and prolific artist with anger issues, which she unabashedly owned, perhaps to her own demise (Nina, was abusive to herself and her own child during her life, having frequent very violent outbursts directed at others).

Nina Simone was born in North Carolina, the sixth child of a preacher. Her musical styles included - jazz, blues, gospel, pop, r&b and classical music.

With the help of her friends, she was able to enroll in Julliard School of Music in New York.

Later Miss Simone applied to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. She was denied entry to the institute due to rampant discrimination against African Americans.

Nina died in her sleep on April 21st, 2003, in her home in Carry-le-Rouet, Bouches-du-Rhône France, after years of suffering from breast cancer and what was then a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder.

Nina Simone was a great example of what a great artist can and cannot become.

You can hear her influence on many rap, hip hop, musical and visual artists today 💗