Nina Simone was a remarkably versatile American artist who transcended musical genres. As a singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, and arranger, her work encompassed classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop. Beyond music, she was a powerful voice and activist during the Civil Rights Movement. Her enduring legacy and vocal prowess earned her the No. 21 spot on Rolling Stone's 2023 list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
February 21, 1933: Birth of Nina Simone
Eunice Kathleen Waymon, later known as Nina Simone, was born on February 21, 1933.
1950: Juilliard Summer Studies and Curtis Institute Rejection
Nina Simone spent the summer of 1950 studying at the Juilliard School. She then prepared for an audition at the Curtis Institute of Music but was denied admission, a setback she attributed to racial prejudice.
1952: "Sinnerman" Featured in "The Crimson Pirate"
In 1952, the song "Sinnerman" was featured in the film "The Crimson Pirate," marking an early instance of Simone's music appearing in cinema.
1952: Inspiration for Stage Name
Nina Simone's stage name was inspired in part by the French actress Simone Signoret, whom she had seen in the 1952 film 'Casque d'Or'.
1954: Nina Simone Stage Name Adoption
In 1954, Eunice Waymon adopted the stage name "Nina Simone" to conceal her identity from family members who disapproved of her playing jazz music.
1958: Simone Achieves First US Hit with "I Loves You, Porgy"
1958 marked a significant milestone in Simone's career with her rendition of George Gershwin's "I Loves You, Porgy" reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success solidified her presence in the American music scene.
1958: Simone Records "My Baby Just Cares for Me"
In 1958, Nina Simone recorded "My Baby Just Cares for Me," a song that would later become one of her most recognizable hits. This recording showcases her early talent and foreshadows her lasting impact on the music world.
1958: Marriage and Financial Loss
Nina Simone married Don Ross in 1958 but later regretted the marriage. The same year, she recorded 'I Loves You, Porgy', which became a hit but resulted in significant financial losses due to her selling the rights early in her career.
1958: Musical Debut and Early Success
Nina Simone's career as a jazz vocalist began in 1958 when she was told to sing to her own piano accompaniment at an Atlantic City nightclub. That same year, she released her first hit single in the United States, "I Loves You, Porgy."
February 1959: Release of Debut Album
Nina Simone released her debut album, 'Little Girl Blue', in February 1959.
December 1961: Marriage to Andrew Stroud
Nina Simone married Andrew Stroud, a detective, in December 1961. He became her manager and the father of her daughter but was later abusive.
1961: Recording of "The House of the Rising Sun"
Nina Simone first recorded her version of "The House of the Rising Sun" in 1961, demonstrating her early interest in folk and blues music.
1962: Early Incorporation of African American Heritage in Music
Nina Simone's 1962 album, 'Nina at the Village Gate', featured songs like 'Brown Baby' and 'Zungo', reflecting her commitment to incorporating her heritage into her music.
1962: Release of "Nina at the Village Gate"
Simone's recording of "The House of the Rising Sun" was featured on her 1962 live album "Nina at the Village Gate."
June 12, 1963: Murder of Medgar Evers
Civil rights leader Medgar Evers was murdered on June 12, 1963, a tragedy that deeply impacted Nina Simone and influenced her music.
September 15, 1963: 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed on September 15, 1963, killing four young black girls. This horrific event fueled Nina Simone's activism and inspired her protest songs.
1964: Release of 'Mississippi Goddam'
In 1964, Nina Simone released the powerful civil rights anthem 'Mississippi Goddam' in response to the racial violence and injustice of the time, marking a turning point in her career towards activism.
1964: Simone Releases "Broadway-Blues-Ballads"
In 1964, Simone released the album "Broadway-Blues-Ballads," which featured the notable track "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." This album showcased her versatility and ability to blend genres seamlessly.
1965: Simone Releases "I Put a Spell On You"
1965 marked the release of Simone's influential album "I Put a Spell On You," featuring iconic tracks like "I Put a Spell on You," "Ne me quitte pas," and "Feeling Good." This album solidified her status as a unique and powerful voice in the music world.
1965: Simone's Music Gains Enduring Popularity
By 1965, Simone's renditions of songs like "Sinnerman" and "Feeling Good" began to achieve lasting recognition. These tracks, along with "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," found new life through cover versions, samples, and soundtracks, cementing her influence on future generations of musicians and solidifying her legacy in popular culture.
1966: Simone Releases "Wild is the Wind"
Continuing her prolific output, Simone released the album "Wild is the Wind" in 1966. The album included memorable tracks such as "Lilac Wine" and "Wild Is the Wind," further demonstrating her eclectic musical style.
1967: Release of "Nina Simone Sings the Blues"
1967 saw the release of Simone's album "Nina Simone Sings the Blues," which featured her rendition of the folk song "The House of the Rising Sun."
1967: Signing with RCA Victor and Release of Socially Conscious Albums
Nina Simone signed with RCA Victor in 1967 and released albums like 'Nina Simone Sings the Blues' and 'Silk & Soul', which featured songs addressing social and racial issues.
1967: Release of "Silk & Soul"
Simone's thirteenth album, "Silk & Soul," was released in 1967 and featured the Grammy-nominated track "(You'll) Go to Hell."
April 7, 1968: Performance Dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr.
Nina Simone dedicated her performance at the Westbury Music Fair on April 7, 1968, to Martin Luther King Jr., who had been assassinated just three days prior.
1968: Release of "Ain't Got No, I Got Life"
In 1968, Nina Simone released "Ain't Got No, I Got Life", a medley from the musical Hair, which became a surprise hit, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
1968: First Grammy Award Nomination
Nina Simone received her first Grammy Award nomination in 1968 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "(You'll) Go to Hell."
1969: Release of Documentary Short "Nina"
A 26-minute biographical documentary about Nina Simone, simply titled "Nina," was released in 1969. This documentary, directed by Peter Rodis, would later have portions of its footage incorporated into the later film "Nina Simone: La légende (The Legend)."
1969: Harlem Cultural Festival Performance
Nina Simone's 1969 performance at the Harlem Cultural Festival was captured in Questlove's 2021 documentary 'Summer of Soul', showcasing her influence and connection with the Black community.
1969: UK Top 10 Hit with "To Love Somebody"
Simone's rendition of the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody" reached the UK Top 10 in 1969, showcasing her versatility and appeal across genres.
September 1970: Simone Leaves the US and Her Career Suffers
In September 1970, feeling the pressure of the music industry's boycott against her due to her song "Mississippi Goddam," Nina Simone left the US for Barbados. Her husband and manager, Stroud, interpreted her sudden departure as a desire for divorce, further complicating their personal and professional relationship.
1970: Release of 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black'
Nina Simone and Weldon Irvine adapted Lorraine Hansberry's unfinished play into the song 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black', which was performed live on Simone's 'Black Gold' album in 1970.
1970: Maya Angelou on Nina Simone
In 1970, author Maya Angelou wrote about Simone's powerful presence, stating that she evoked strong reactions in those who encountered her music or personality.
1970: Footage in "King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis"
Footage of Nina Simone singing "Mississippi Goddam" at the Selma to Montgomery marches is featured in the 1970 documentary "King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis."
1971: Second Grammy Award Nomination
Simone's album "Black Gold" earned her a second Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1971.
1972: Aretha Franklin's Rendition
Aretha Franklin recorded a version of 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' on her 1972 album of the same name, further popularizing the anthem.
1974: End of Recording Period
By 1974, Nina Simone had recorded more than 40 albums, marking a prolific period in her musical career.
1974: Simone Records Final Album with RCA
In 1974, still grappling with the aftermath of her self-imposed exile, Simone recorded her last album for RCA, titled "It Is Finished." This marked a period of relative quiet in her recording career.
1974: Tribute on Human Kindness Day
In a testament to her impact, over 10,000 people paid tribute to Nina Simone on Human Kindness Day in Washington, D.C., in 1974.
1976: Performance at Montreux Jazz Festival
Nina Simone delivered a memorable performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1976. This performance was filmed and is now available on video thanks to Mercury Studios. It is also screened annually in New York City at an event called "The Rise and Fall of Nina Simone: Montreux, 1976," curated by Tom Blunt.
1978: Simone Returns to Recording with "Baltimore"
After a four-year hiatus, Simone returned to recording in 1978 with the album "Baltimore," released by CTI Records. Though not a commercial triumph, the album was well-received critically, signaling a resurgence in her artistic output.
1984: Simone Records Live Album at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
1984 saw Simone recording a live album at the renowned Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. This period marked a shift in her on-stage persona, where she embraced audience engagement, often sharing anecdotes and taking requests.
1985: Incident with Record Company Executive
In 1985, Simone's struggle with mental health and financial disputes came to a head when she fired a gun at a record company executive, accusing him of stealing royalties.
1986: "My Baby Just Cares for Me" Featured in Chanel Ad
In 1986, Simone's recording of "My Baby Just Cares for Me" was chosen for a Chanel No. 5 perfume commercial, introducing her music to a new audience and ultimately leading to its revival in popularity.
1987: "My Baby Just Cares for Me" Becomes a Hit
In a surprising turn of events, Simone's 1958 recording of "My Baby Just Cares for Me" became a huge hit in 1987 after being featured in a Chanel No. 5 perfume commercial in Europe. This unexpected success introduced Simone to a new generation of fans.
1987: "My Baby Just Cares for Me" Experiences Resurgence in Popularity
Simone's 1958 recording of "My Baby Just Cares for Me" experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1987 after being featured in a Chanel No. 5 perfume commercial, further solidifying its place in her legacy.
1988: Simone Seeks Stability in Nijmegen
Seeking respite and a fresh start, Simone moved to Nijmegen in the Netherlands in 1988. Living a relatively anonymous life, she found moments of peace and even began to rebuild her financial stability after a legal battle concerning the Chanel commercial.
1988: Nina Simone Resides in Nijmegen
Nina Simone resided in the city of Nijmegen, Netherlands, from 1988 to 1990.
1990: Nina Simone Departs Nijmegen
Nina Simone moved away from Nijmegen, Netherlands, in 1990, after residing there for two years.
1990: Music Featured in "La Femme Nikita"
Nina Simone's music was featured in the soundtrack of the film "La Femme Nikita" in 1990.
1991: Simone Relocates to Amsterdam
After a period of relative stability in Nijmegen, Simone moved to Amsterdam in 1991, where she continued to navigate her personal and creative journey.
1992: Publication of Autobiography "I Put a Spell on You"
Nina Simone's autobiography, "I Put a Spell on You," co-written with Stephen Cleary, was published in 1992.
1992: Publication of "I Put a Spell on You"
Nina Simone's autobiography, "I Put a Spell on You," written in collaboration with Stephen Cleary, was published in 1992.
1993: Simone Releases Final Album and Settles in France
In 1993, Simone released her final album, "A Single Woman," marking the end of her recording career. She settled near Aix-en-Provence in southern France, seeking solace and a sense of permanency.
1993: Music Featured in "Point of No Return"
Nina Simone's music was included in the soundtrack of the film "Point of No Return" in 1993.
1994: Music Featured in "Shallow Grave"
In 1994, Nina Simone's music was featured in the film "Shallow Grave."
1995: Incident with Neighbor's Son
In 1995, Simone was involved in another incident where she shot and wounded her neighbor's son with an air gun following a dispute. This led to a suspended jail sentence and highlighted the challenges she faced.
1998: Simone Announces Decision to Remain in France
During a performance in Newark in 1998, Simone made a significant announcement: she would not be returning to the US. This declaration solidified her commitment to her life in France, where she had found a measure of peace and artistic freedom.
1998: "Sinnerman" Featured in "Homicide: Life on the Street"
In 1998, the critically acclaimed TV series "Homicide: Life on the Street" featured "Sinnerman" in the episode "Sins of the Father," demonstrating the song's suitability for enhancing the emotional depth and complexity of television dramas.
1998: Music Featured in "The Big Lebowski"
Nina Simone's music was included in the soundtrack of the Coen brothers film, "The Big Lebowski," in 1998.
1999: Music Featured in Multiple Films
1999 saw Nina Simone's music appear in the soundtracks of several films, including "Any Given Sunday," "The Thomas Crown Affair," and "Disappearing Acts."
1999: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Music Hall of Fame
In 1999, Nina Simone was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Irish Music Hall of Fame, presented by singer Sinead O'Connor.
1999: "Sinnerman" Featured in "The Thomas Crown Affair"
Simone's influence continued to be felt through the use of "Sinnerman" in the 1999 remake of "The Thomas Crown Affair," demonstrating the song's timeless appeal and suitability for diverse cinematic narratives.
2000: "Sinnerman" Used in "Nash Bridges"
The use of "Sinnerman" in the TV series "Nash Bridges" in 2000, specifically in the episode "Jackpot," highlights the song's versatility and its ability to complement various genres, including action and crime dramas.
2000: Music Featured in "Disappearing Acts"
Nina Simone's music was included in the film "Disappearing Acts" in 2000.
2000: Grammy Hall of Fame Award
Nina Simone received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2000 for her iconic interpretation of "I Loves You, Porgy," cementing her legacy as a musical legend.
2001: "Sinnerman" Featured in "Scrubs"
In 2001, the popular medical dramedy "Scrubs" used "Sinnerman" in the episode "My Own Personal Jesus." This unexpected pairing showcased the song's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and resonate with diverse audiences.
2001: Music Featured in "Six Feet Under"
Nina Simone's music, including a prominent use of "Feeling Good" in the Season Four promo, was featured in the TV series "Six Feet Under" in 2001.
2002: Music Featured in "The Dancer Upstairs"
Nina Simone's music was included in the soundtrack for the film "The Dancer Upstairs" in 2002.
2002: Street Naming in Nijmegen
The city of Nijmegen, Netherlands, honored Nina Simone by naming a street after her in 2002. "Nina Simone Street" serves as a tribute to the time she spent living in the city.
2002: "Sinnerman" Featured in "High Crimes"
The use of "Sinnerman" in the 2002 film "High Crimes" further cemented its place as a captivating and evocative piece of music suitable for heightening tension and intrigue in visual storytelling.
April 21, 2003: Death of Nina Simone
Nina Simone passed away on April 21, 2003.
2003: "Sinnerman" Used in "Boomtown"
"Sinnerman" found its way into the TV series "Boomtown" in 2003, further demonstrating its capacity to enhance the emotional impact of various narrative structures and genres.
2003: Curtis Institute of Music Honorary Degree
In 2003, shortly before her death, Nina Simone received an honorary degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, the same institution that had denied her admission decades earlier, which she attributed to racism.
2004: Music Featured in Film and Television
2004 saw Nina Simone's music featured in various productions, including the films "Before Sunset," "Cellular," and the TV series "Six Feet Under."
2004: "Sinnerman" Used in "Cellular"
In 2004, "Sinnerman" was featured in the thriller "Cellular," showcasing its versatility and ability to enhance the suspense and intensity of the film's narrative.
2004: Publication of "Break Down and Let It All Out"
The 2004 biography "Break Down and Let It All Out" revealed Simone's long struggle with bipolar disorder and the lengths to which her friends and caretakers went to ensure she received treatment.
2004: Publication of Two Books About Simone
Two books about Nina Simone were published in 2004: "Nina Simone: Break Down and Let It All Out" by Sylvia Hampton and David Nathan, and "Nina Simone" by Kerry Acker.
August 29, 2005: Tribute Concert "Greetings from Nijmegen"
The city of Nijmegen, along with the De Vereeniging concert hall and a group of over 50 artists, organized a tribute concert in honor of Nina Simone on August 29, 2005. The concert, titled "Greetings from Nijmegen," featured performances by artists such as Frank Boeijen, Rood Adeo, and Fay Claassen.
2005: Announcement of Biopic Plans
Plans for a biographical film about Nina Simone were announced in late 2005. The film was set to be based on Simone's 1992 autobiography "I Put a Spell on You" and focus on her relationship with her assistant, Clifton Henderson.
2005: Publication of "Nina Simone, Black Is the Color"
Andrew Stroud's book, "Nina Simone, Black Is the Color," was published in 2005, contributing to the growing body of literature exploring Simone's life and work.
2006: Death of Clifton Henderson
Clifton Henderson, Nina Simone's assistant, passed away in 2006. The planned biopic about Simone was intended to focus on their relationship, though Simone's daughter has refuted claims of a romantic involvement due to Henderson's homosexuality.
2006: "Ain't Got No, I Got Life" Remix Success
In 2006, a remixed version of Simone's "Ain't Got No, I Got Life" by Groovefinder reached the UK Top 30, reintroducing her music to a younger audience.
2006: "Sinnerman" Featured in Multiple Films and TV Series
The year 2006 saw a surge in the use of "Sinnerman" in popular media, with appearances in films like "Déjà Vu," "Miami Vice," and "Golden Door," as well as the TV series "Inland Empire." This signifies the song's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across different genres and platforms.
2007: Artists Sample "Sinnerman"
The enduring impact of Simone's "Sinnerman" was evident in 2007 when artists like Timbaland sampled it for his song "Oh Timbaland." This sampling further solidified the song's influence on contemporary music.
2008: Music Featured in Multiple Films
Nina Simone's music was included in the soundtracks of several films released in 2008, including "Sex and the City," "The World Unseen," "Revolutionary Road," and "Home."
2008: Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" Features Sample of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"
Lil Wayne's 2008 album "Tha Carter III" featured a sample of Simone's "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" on the track "Don't Get It," highlighting her influence on hip-hop music and showcasing the timelessness of her work.
2009: Music Featured in "Watchmen" and "The Saboteur"
In 2009, Nina Simone's music was featured in the films "Watchmen" and "The Saboteur."
2009: Induction into North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
Nina Simone was posthumously inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing her lasting impact on the music world and her roots in the state.
2010: Statue Unveiled in Tryon
A statue honoring Nina Simone was erected on Trade Street in her hometown of Tryon, North Carolina, in 2010. The statue stands as a testament to Simone's significant cultural impact and her connection to her birthplace.
2010: Publication of "Princess Noire"
Nadine Cohodas' book "Princess Noire: The Tumultuous Reign of Nina Simone" was published in 2010, offering a detailed account of Simone's life and career.
2010: Music Featured in "Repo Men"
Nina Simone's music was featured in the film "Repo Men" in 2010.
2011: "Sinnerman" Featured in "Person of Interest" and "Shameless"
The year 2011 saw "Sinnerman" featured in two distinct TV series: "Person of Interest" (episode "Witness") and "Shameless" (episode "Kidnap and Ransom"). This illustrates the song's enduring appeal and its ability to connect with diverse narratives and audiences.
2012: "Sinnerman" Used in "Sherlock"
In 2012, the critically acclaimed series "Sherlock" used "Sinnerman" in the episode "The Reichenbach Fall," highlighting the song's ability to amplify dramatic tension and emotional depth in modern storytelling.
2012: Meshell Ndegeocello's Tribute Album
Singer Meshell Ndegeocello released a tribute album titled "Pour une Âme Souveraine: A Dedication to Nina Simone" in 2012, showcasing her enduring impact on fellow musicians.
2013: Publication of "Nina Simone" by Richard Elliott
Richard Elliott's book, simply titled "Nina Simone," was published in 2013, adding to the collection of biographies about the influential musician.
2013: "Sinnerman" Featured in "The Blacklist"
"Sinnerman" continued to captivate audiences in 2013 with its inclusion in the TV series "The Blacklist" (episode "The Freelancer"), further solidifying its place in popular culture and its ability to complement thrilling narratives.
2014: Music Featured in "Beyond the Lights"
The film "Beyond the Lights," released in 2014, featured Nina Simone's music in its soundtrack.
January 2015: Premiere of "What Happened, Miss Simone?" at Sundance
The documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?," directed by Liz Garbus, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2015. The film was produced with the cooperation of Simone's estate and daughter, offering a counterpoint to the unauthorized Cynthia Mort biopic.
June 26, 2015: Netflix Release of "What Happened, Miss Simone?"
"What Happened, Miss Simone?" was released on Netflix on June 26, 2015, after premiering at Sundance earlier that year. The documentary, featuring previously unreleased footage, offered a closer look at Simone's life and career.
October 2015: Theatrical Debut of "The Amazing Nina Simone"
"The Amazing Nina Simone," an independent documentary about the singer's life and music, debuted in theaters in October 2015. The film, written and directed by Jeff L. Lieberman, was made in close collaboration with Simone's siblings, particularly Sam Waymon, after initially involving Simone's daughter Lisa.
2015: Footage in "What Happened, Miss Simone?"
Footage of Nina Simone performing "Mississippi Goddam" at the Selma to Montgomery marches was included in the 2015 Liz Garbus documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?"
2015: Music Featured in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."
Nina Simone's "Take Care of Business" was used as the closing theme for the TV series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." in 2015.
January 14, 2016: Oscar Nomination for "What Happened, Miss Simone?"
The Liz Garbus documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?" received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature on January 14, 2016.
2016: Posthumous Grammy Nomination for "What Happened, Miss Simone?"
The Netflix documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?" received a posthumous Grammy Award nomination for Best Music Film in 2016, introducing Simone's story to a new generation.
2016: Release of Biopic "Nina"
The biographical film "Nina," directed by Cynthia Mort and starring Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone, was released in 2016. The film generated controversy and Saldana later expressed regret for taking on the role.
2016: Publication of "What Happened, Miss Simone?" by Alan Light
Alan Light's book "What Happened, Miss Simone?: A Biography" was released in 2016, coinciding with the release of the documentary of the same name.
2016: "Sinnerman" Used in "Vinyl"
In 2016, the HBO series "Vinyl" featured "Sinnerman" in the episode "The Racket," demonstrating the song's enduring relevance and its capacity to resonate with narratives set against the backdrop of the music industry.
2016: Premiere of "Nina: A Story About Me and Nina Simone"
A one-woman show titled "Nina: A Story About Me and Nina Simone" premiered at the Unity Theatre in Liverpool in 2016. The play, described as a "deeply personal and often searing show inspired by the singer and activist Nina Simone," explored the life and legacy of the iconic artist.
2016: Music Featured in Multiple Productions
2016 saw the inclusion of Nina Simone's music in the film "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" and the TV series "BoJack Horseman." Notably, her cover of Janis Ian's "Stars" was played in the final moments of the season 3 finale of "BoJack Horseman."
July 2017: "Nina: A Story About Me and Nina Simone" at the Young Vic
The one-woman play "Nina: A Story About Me and Nina Simone" had a run at the Young Vic theatre in London in July 2017, following its successful premiere in Liverpool the previous year. The play subsequently moved on to Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre.
2017: Student Promotion Names Themselves After Simone
The graduating class of 2021 from the French Institute of Political Studies in Lille (Sciences Po Lille) voted to name their promotion after Nina Simone.
2017: "Sinnerman" Featured in "Lucifer"
The use of "Sinnerman" in the TV series "Lucifer" in 2017, specifically in the episode "Favorite Son," showcased the song's versatility and its ability to complement diverse narratives, even those with supernatural themes.
2018: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
R&B artist Mary J. Blige inducted Nina Simone into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, highlighting her influence on generations of musicians.
2018: Music Featured in "Acrimony"
The songs "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" by Nina Simone were included in the film "Acrimony" in 2018.
2018: Posthumous Grammy Nomination for "The Story of O.J."
Jay-Z's song "The Story of O.J.", which sampled Simone's "Four Women," earned her a posthumous Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Song in 2018.
2018: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Nina Simone's lasting influence on music was recognized in 2018 when she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2018: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Nina Simone was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, solidifying her place among music legends.
2019: "Mississippi Goddamn" Performance at the Proms
A tribute to Nina Simone titled "Mississippi Goddamn" was performed at the BBC Proms in 2019. The performance, held at the Royal Albert Hall, featured The Metropole Orkest led by Jules Buckley, with vocals provided by Ledisi, Lisa Fischer and Jazz Trio, and LaSharVu.
2019: Wale's Album Featuring Simone's Audio Clips
American rapper Wale paid homage to Simone in his 2019 album "Wow... That's Crazy," which included audio clips of her voice in the track "Love Me Nina/Semiautomatic."
2019: "Mississippi Goddam" Preserved in the National Recording Registry
Simone's powerful protest song "Mississippi Goddam" was chosen for preservation in the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry in 2019.
2019: "Sinnerman" Continues to Appear in Films and TV Series
The legacy of Simone's "Sinnerman" continued in 2019 with its inclusion in films like "Harriet" and the TV series "The Umbrella Academy." This ongoing presence in contemporary works demonstrates the song's timelessness and its capacity to connect with new generations.
2021: "Sinnerman" Featured in "Licorice Pizza"
In 2021, "Sinnerman" was featured in Paul Thomas Anderson's film "Licorice Pizza," further solidifying its enduring presence in popular culture and its capacity to complement diverse cinematic narratives.
2021: Induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
In 2021, Simone's lasting contribution to rhythm and blues music was recognized with her induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
2021: Publication of "Nina Simone's Gum"
Musician Warren Ellis published his book "Nina Simone's Gum" in 2021, a unique work exploring Simone's legacy through a personal artifact.
2021: Music Featured in "Nobody"
Nina Simone's music was featured in the film "Nobody," starring Bob Odenkirk, released in 2021.
2021: Release of 'Summer of Soul'
Questlove's documentary 'Summer of Soul' was released in 2021, featuring footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival where Nina Simone performed.
2021: Graduation of "La Promotion Nina Simone"
The student promotion at the French Institute of Political Studies in Lille, who voted to name themselves "La Promotion Nina Simone" in 2017, graduated in 2021.
2023: Rolling Stone Recognition
In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Nina Simone at No. 21 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
Rolling Stone magazine ranked Nina Simone at number 21 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023, further solidifying her status as a musical icon.