Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, was a multi-talented singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her unique blend of jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music, combined with her powerful voice and poignant lyrics, made her one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Throughout her career, Simone tackled issues of racism, social injustice, and inequality through her music, using her platform to inspire change and promote equality.
With a career spanning over four decades, Nina Simone has an extensive discography of over 40 albums, each containing a treasure trove of soulful, emotional, and timeless songs. From the hauntingly beautiful “Wild Is The Wind” to the politically charged “Mississippi Goddam,” Simone’s songs resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, continuing to captivate new generations long after her passing.
In this article, we take a look at the 10 best Nina Simone songs of all time, celebrating the iconic artist’s musical legacy and the lasting impact of her work. Each of these songs showcases the depth and range of Simone’s talent, from her soulful vocals to her powerful lyrics, and serves as a testament to her enduring influence on the world of music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, these songs are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
1. My Baby Just Cares for Me
“My Baby Just Cares for Me” is a classic love song performed by Nina Simone. Originally recorded in 1958, the song was later re-released in 1987 and became a hit after it was featured in a popular perfume commercial. The song’s upbeat tempo and Simone’s soulful vocals make it a joyful and playful ode to the simple pleasures of love. With lyrics like “My baby don’t care for clothes, my baby just cares for me,” Simone captures the essence of a relationship based on true affection rather than material possessions. It’s a timeless song that continues to enchant listeners with its charm and romance.
2. Feeling Good
“Feeling Good” is an iconic song originally written for a musical, but it was Nina Simone’s powerful rendition that made it a timeless classic. Simone’s soulful voice and emotive performance capture the song’s theme of liberation and empowerment, with lyrics like “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me, and I’m feeling good.” The song’s uplifting melody and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite for generations, and it has been covered by many artists in different genres. “Feeling Good” has become an anthem of hope and positivity, inspiring listeners to embrace new beginnings and live life to the fullest.
3. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Nina Simone’s unique blend of jazz and blues. The song was originally written for a rock band, but Simone’s soulful and emotive voice elevates the song to a whole new level. With lyrics like “Sometimes I feel a little mad, don’t you know that no one alive can always be an angel,” Simone captures the vulnerability and complexity of human relationships. The song’s powerful message of self-expression and acceptance has resonated with listeners for decades, and it has been covered by many artists in various genres. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” remains one of Simone’s most iconic songs, and it continues to captivate and move listeners with its raw emotional power.
4. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” is a stirring and inspiring song that showcases Nina Simone’s passion for social justice and civil rights. Originally written as a gospel song, Simone’s version infuses the lyrics with soulful jazz and blues, creating a powerful anthem of hope and freedom. With lyrics like “I wish I could break all the chains holding me, I wish I could say all the things that I should say,” Simone captures the struggle for liberation and equality that defined the Civil Rights Movement. The song has become an anthem for oppressed people around the world, inspiring generations to fight for their rights and never give up on their dreams.
5. I Put a Spell on You
“I Put a Spell on You” is a sultry and seductive song that showcases Nina Simone’s powerful and emotive voice. Originally written as a blues song, Simone’s version infuses the lyrics with a hauntingly beautiful quality, capturing the song’s theme of love and obsession. With lyrics like “I put a spell on you because you’re mine, you better stop the things you do,” Simone’s performance is equal parts alluring and menacing, creating a sense of intrigue and danger. The song has become a classic and has been covered by many artists in various genres. Simone’s version, however, remains one of the most iconic and memorable, a testament to her talent and ability to infuse songs with emotion and passion.
6. Ain’t Got No, I Got Life
“Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is a powerful and uplifting song that showcases Nina Simone’s unique blend of soul, jazz, and gospel music. Originally written as part of a musical, Simone’s version infuses the lyrics with her signature style and passion, creating a song that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. With lyrics like “I ain’t got no mother, ain’t got no culture, ain’t got no friends, ain’t got no schooling, ain’t got no love, ain’t got no faith, ain’t got no mind,” Simone captures the frustration and disappointment that many people feel. However, the song’s powerful chorus of “I got life” celebrates the resilience and determination of the human spirit, inspiring listeners to keep going and never give up. The song has become an anthem for empowerment and self-acceptance, and it continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
7. Sinnerman
“Sinnerman” is a powerful and intense song that showcases Nina Simone’s incredible range and talent as a musician. The song is a traditional African American spiritual that Simone transformed into a jazz and blues masterpiece. With its haunting melody and hypnotic beat, “Sinnerman” builds to a frenzied crescendo, capturing the song’s theme of repentance and redemption. Simone’s powerful vocals and emotive performance make the song a visceral and unforgettable experience for listeners. “Sinnerman” has become one of Simone’s most iconic songs, and it has been covered by many artists in various genres. However, Simone’s version remains the definitive version, a testament to her musical genius and ability to infuse songs with emotion and power.
8. Four Women
“Four Women” is a poignant and powerful song that highlights Nina Simone’s activism and commitment to civil rights. The song tells the stories of four African American women with different skin tones, hair textures, and life experiences, highlighting the struggles and injustices they face in society. With lyrics like “My skin is brown, my manner is tough, I’ll kill the first mother I see, my life has been rough,” Simone captures the anger, frustration, and pain of the Black community. The song’s haunting melody and soulful vocals make it a moving and unforgettable experience for listeners. “Four Women” has become an anthem for Black women, celebrating their strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It remains one of Simone’s most powerful and enduring songs, a testament to her artistic vision and dedication to social justice.
9. Young, Gifted, and Black
“Young, Gifted, and Black” is an empowering and uplifting song that celebrates the beauty and potential of Black people. Originally written as a tribute to the playwright Lorraine Hansberry, Simone’s version infuses the lyrics with her signature style and passion, creating a song that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the Black community. With lyrics like “To be young, gifted, and black, oh what a lovely precious dream, to be young, gifted, and black, open your heart to what I mean,” Simone celebrates the power and resilience of Black people and encourages them to embrace their talents and gifts. The song has become an anthem for Black pride and empowerment, inspiring generations to embrace their heritage and strive for excellence. It remains one of Simone’s most iconic and enduring songs, a testament to her talent and commitment to social justice.
10. Why? (The King of Love is Dead)
“Why? (The King of Love is Dead)” is a poignant and powerful song that showcases Nina Simone’s activism and commitment to civil rights. The song was written by her bass player, Gene Taylor, as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. after his assassination in 1968. Simone’s emotive performance and soulful vocals capture the shock and grief of the Black community after King’s death, while the lyrics ask the question “Why?” repeatedly, highlighting the senselessness and injustice of his assassination. The song has become a powerful anthem for social justice and equality, inspiring generations to continue the fight for justice and freedom. Simone’s version of the song remains one of the most moving and memorable, a testament to her ability to infuse songs with emotion and power.
