Nina Simone 1 (2023) Collages by Jerome Cholet

Nina Simone (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon; February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003) 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 most famous songs were “I loves you Porgy”, “Ne me quittes pas”, “Don’t let me be misunderstood”, “My baby just cares for me,” “Feeling good,” “I put a spell on you” and “Mississippi Goddam.”

In 1991, Simone published her autobiography, I Put a Spell on You (taking the title from her famous 1965 song). The Curtis Institute of Music, which had rejected Simone back in 1950, named her an honorary doctor in music and humanities in 2003. Two days later, she died from cancer at her home in Carry-le-Rouet, France.

Scholars have often overlooked Simone’s legacy because her music crossed genres and could not easily be categorized, but she left a profound mark on American music. Singers such as Aretha Franklin, Rufus Wainright, and Roberta Flack cite her as an important influence. In 2008, Rolling Stone named Simone to its list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, and, in 2018, Simone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Her private life was a chain of tragedies. I am very inspired by Nina Simone, by her fragile intensity so potent it’s almost unbearable: disturbing, haunting, unforgettable.

This collages is made of spray paint, paper and epoxy resin. It is on a wooden frame.

Related themes

Nina SimoneSingerBlackOperaWomen