Selma uamusse nina simone biography

American singer-songwriter (–)

Musical artist

Nina Simone (NEE-nə sim-OHN;^[1] born Eunice Kathleen Waymon; February 21, – April 21, ) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, arranger, and civil rights activist. Her music spanned styles including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop.

Her piano playing was strongly influenced by baroque and classical music, especially Johann Sebastian Bach,^[2][3] and accompanied expressive, jazz-like singing in her contralto voice.^[4][5]

The sixth of eight children born into a poor family in North Carolina, Simone initially aspired to be a concert pianist.^[6] With the help of a few supporters in her hometown, she enrolled in the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.^[7][8] She then applied for a scholarship to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where, despite a well received audition, she wa Biography - Selma Uamusse WIZOG