Nina Simone: High Priestess of Soul Dies at 70

Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist and civil rights activist. Born Eunice Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, she trained as a classical pianist.

Her debut album Little Girl Blue (1958) included "I Loves You, Porgy." She became known for civil rights songs such as "Mississippi Goddam" (1964), and her songs "Ain't Got No, I Got Life" and "My Baby Just Cares for Me" were hits in Europe.

She married Donald Ross and Andy Stroud and had a daughter, Lisa. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. She died in her sleep at her home in Carry-le-Rouet, France, on April 21, 2003, at age 70.

Achievements: "I Loves You, Porgy" (1958), "Mississippi Goddam" (1964), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2018).

Birth: February 21, 1933 - Tryon, North Carolina.

Profession: Singer, pianist and activist.

Interesting Facts: She was denied admission to the Curtis Institute of Music, which she attributed to racism.