Nina Simone

United States

"Her music pulses with rhythmic intensity, grounded in gospel-infused piano lines that shift dynamically between restraint and expressive release."

Quick Start

A good place to start with Nina Simone is…

Wild Is the Wind

1966

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Career Arc

Nina Simone's discography from 1959 to 2009

1959 1984 2009

Little Girl Blue (1959) Nina Simone at Town Hall (1959) The Amazing Nina Simone (1959) Nina Simone and Her Frien... (1959) Nina at Newport (1960) Forbidden Fruit (1961) Nina at the Village Gate (1962) Nina Simone Sings Ellingt... (1962) Nina's Choice (1963) Nina Simone at Carnegie H... (1963) Broadway - Blues - Ballad... (1964) Nina Simone in Concert (1964) Folksy Nina (1964) Mississippi *%??**&% / Se... (1964) Pastel Blues (1965) I Put a Spell on You (1965) Let It All Out (1965) Wild Is the Wind (1966) Nina Simone with Strings (1966) Silk & Soul (1967)

Nina Simone matters not just for her music but for the voice she provided to social justice movements, channeling her personal struggles and broader societal issues into a powerful artistic expression. Her fearless embrace of political activism through song redefined what it meant to be an artist in the public sphere, transforming music into a vehicle for change and reflection during turbulent times. Simone's approach is characterized by an unyielding authenticity that blends her classical training with the heartfelt resonance of blues and gospel. This fusion creates a raw emotional landscape, where her piano playing serves as both a foundation and a counterpoint to her striking vocal delivery. She often employed unconventional song structures, allowing space for improvisation and emotional depth that invites listeners into her world. Lyrically, Simone often explores themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of love and injustice. Her storytelling weaves together personal narratives with broader social commentary, striking a balance between sincerity and deep introspection, which allows her to connect intimately with her audience while challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths.

Full discography

Nina Simone's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

45 releases • 41 albums • 1959–2009

Type:

Albums ()

The Definitive Rarities Collection – 50 Classic Cuts

2009

Remixed and Reimagined

2006

The Very Best of Nina Simone

2006

The Soul of Nina Simone

2005

A Single Woman

1993

Point of No Return

1993

Live & Kickin

1988

Fodder on My Wings

1982

Baltimore

1978

It Is Finished

1974

Emergency Ward

1972

Here Comes the Sun

1971

Black Gold

1970

Live at Ronnie Scott's

Gifted & Black

1970

Live at Berkeley

The Great Show Live in Paris

To Love Somebody

1969

Nina Simone and Piano!

1969

'Nuff Said!

1968

Silk & Soul

1967

Sings the Blues

1967

High Priestess of Soul

1967

Wild Is the Wind

1966

Nina Simone with Strings

1966

Pastel Blues

1965

I Put a Spell on You

1965

Let It All Out

1965

Broadway - Blues - Ballads

1964

Nina Simone in Concert

1964

Folksy Nina

1964

Nina's Choice

1963

Nina Simone at Carnegie Hall

1963

Nina at the Village Gate

1962

Nina Simone Sings Ellington

1962

Forbidden Fruit

1961

Nina at Newport

1960

Little Girl Blue

1959

Nina Simone at Town Hall

1959

The Amazing Nina Simone

1959

Nina Simone and Her Friends

1959

Singles ()

Revolution

1969

Ain't Got No, I Got Life

1968

To Love Somebody / I Can’t See Nobody

1968

Mississippi *%??**&% / Sea Lion Woman

1964

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Nina Simone at Town... (1959)

Little Girl Blue (1959)

The Amazing Nina Sim... (1959)

Nina Simone and Her... (1959)

Nina at Newport (1960)

Forbidden Fruit (1961)

Nina at the Village... (1962)

Nina Simone Sings El... (1962)

Nina's Choice (1963)

Nina Simone at Carne... (1963)

Nina Simone in Conce... (1964)

Broadway - Blues - B... (1964)

Folksy Nina (1964)

Let It All Out (1965)

I Put a Spell on You (1965)

Pastel Blues (1965)

Wild Is the Wind (1966)

Nina Simone with Str... (1966)

Silk & Soul (1967)

Sings the Blues (1967)

High Priestess of So... (1967)

'Nuff Said! (1968)

To Love Somebody (1969)

Nina Simone and Pian... (1969)

Black Gold (1970)

Gifted & Black (1970)

Here Comes the Sun (1971)

Emergency Ward (1972)

It Is Finished (1974)

Baltimore (1978)

Fodder on My Wings (1982)

Live & Kickin (1988)

A Single Woman (1993)

Point of No Return (1993)

The Soul of Nina Sim... (2005)

The Very Best of Nin... (2006)

Remixed and Reimagin... (2006)

The Definitive Rarities Collection – 50 Classic Cuts

The Definitive Rarit... (2009)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nina Simone sound like?

Her music pulses with rhythmic intensity, grounded in gospel-infused piano lines that shift dynamically between restraint and expressive release. Rooted in blues and jazz. Start with I Put a Spell on You.

What is the best Nina Simone album to start with?

The best album to start with is "I Put a Spell on You" (1965). It's the most representative of what makes Nina Simone worth hearing.

Who is Nina Simone for?

If you're into blues and jazz, Nina Simone is worth your time. Her music pulses with rhythmic intensity, grounded in gospel-infused piano lines that shift dynamically between restraint and expressive release.

How many albums does Nina Simone have?

Nina Simone has 45 releases in their discography, including 41 albums.

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