Few artists in history possess the raw power, emotional depth, and unshakable influence of Nina Simone. Known as the “High Priestess of Soul,” Simone was far more than a singer—she was a fearless storyteller, a political activist, and a classically trained pianist whose music transcended genres and boundaries. Her voice—rich, haunting, and unmistakably unique—has the power to evoke profound emotion, from joy and defiance to heartbreak and hope.
Simone’s repertoire spans jazz, blues, gospel, folk, and even protest anthems, with each song capturing the complexity of the human experience. Whether she was delivering a tender ballad or a fiery call for justice, her music spoke to the struggles and triumphs of her time—and still resonates deeply today.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Nina Simone’s most iconic works. These ten tracks showcase the brilliance of her artistry and the enduring legacy of her music. From the soulful melodies that comfort the spirit to the powerful anthems that ignite change, these songs remain timeless treasures. Ready to dive into the magic of Nina Simone? Let’s celebrate one of history’s greatest voices and discover the songs that have captivated generations.
1. I Loves You, Porgy (1958)
Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Loves You, Porgy” is one of the most emotionally charged songs in her repertoire, and it marked a defining moment in her career. Originally from the opera Porgy and Bess, this 1958 release helped catapult Simone into the public spotlight. Her version of this classic is a delicate, intimate expression of love and longing, showcasing her incredible ability to convey vulnerability. The song is a tender plea from a woman who loves a man named Porgy, even though their love is complicated by circumstances beyond their control. Simone’s piano work is understated yet beautifully evocative, with each note striking the perfect balance between tenderness and strength. Her vocals are hauntingly beautiful, filled with a palpable sense of yearning, and she infuses every word with such heart that listeners can’t help but feel the depth of her emotions. “I Loves You, Porgy” became one of Simone’s signature songs, cementing her reputation as a vocalist capable of stirring the deepest emotions. The track’s enduring popularity proves that Nina Simone’s ability to pour her soul into music has never been matched. It remains a timeless classic, beloved by fans of all generations.
2. My Baby Just Cares for Me (1958)
“My Baby Just Cares for Me,” recorded in 1958, is one of Nina Simone’s most playful and infectious songs, showcasing a completely different side of the artist. While many of Simone’s tracks convey deep emotional intensity, this one stands out for its light-heartedness and charm. The upbeat tempo and playful lyrics create a joyful, celebratory atmosphere, as Simone sings about a love that is pure and unshakable. Her velvet voice is smooth and warm, wrapping around the bouncy piano line with ease. The lyrics, which describe a woman whose partner is so enamored with her that they don’t care about anything else, offer a sense of innocence and blissful devotion. The song’s jazzy swing rhythm adds a playful energy to the track, which is further elevated by Simone’s impeccable delivery. While it didn’t achieve major success when initially released, “My Baby Just Cares for Me” became a surprise hit in 1987 when it was used in a perfume commercial. This second wave of popularity brought the song to a new generation of fans. The combination of its timeless melody, whimsical lyrics, and Simone’s signature vocal style has made it a beloved classic.
3. Feeling Good (1965)
“Feeling Good,” from Nina Simone’s 1965 album I Put a Spell on You, is an anthem of empowerment, joy, and liberation. This song captures the essence of freedom in both its bold lyrics and triumphant arrangement. Simone’s powerful, commanding voice effortlessly conveys a sense of liberation as she sings about breaking free from the constraints of the past and embracing a new sense of self. The song’s lush brass instrumentation, with its swelling horns and driving rhythm, creates a sense of grandiosity and optimism. The lyrics are a celebration of renewal, reflecting a fresh start and the feeling of strength that comes with it. “Feeling Good” became an enduring anthem, particularly for its association with empowerment and resilience. It has since been covered by numerous artists, but Simone’s original version remains the definitive interpretation, due to the raw emotion and depth she brought to the performance. The soaring melody complements Simone’s vocal prowess, elevating the song into a truly unforgettable experience. Over the years, “Feeling Good” has been embraced as an expression of joy and freedom, making it one of Nina Simone’s most iconic songs, and it continues to inspire new generations of listeners.
4. Sinnerman (1965)
“Sinnerman,” released in 1965, is a stunning ten-minute epic that captures Nina Simone at her most intense and powerful. The song’s relentless rhythm, combined with explosive piano and driving percussion, creates a sense of urgency and spiritual turmoil. The lyrics, which repeat the words “Oh, sinnerman, where you gonna run to?”, tell the story of a person confronting their guilt and seeking redemption. Simone’s passionate vocals are full of emotion, moving from desperation to defiance as she cries out for forgiveness, but also as she confronts the truth. The repetitive structure of the song builds an almost hypnotic momentum, pulling listeners into its fervor and intensity. The instrumental arrangement, with its pounding piano and relentless beat, mirrors the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Simone’s performance is a masterclass in emotional expression, with every note and word dripping with urgency. “Sinnerman” is an undeniable testament to Simone’s musical genius, blending gospel, jazz, and soul in a way that’s both visceral and profound. The song’s raw power and spiritual energy make it one of her most dynamic and electrifying performances, and its impact has been felt across decades. It remains a defining moment in Simone’s extensive legacy.
5. I Put a Spell on You (1965)
Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” is a transformative take on the classic song originally written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Released in 1965, Simone’s version injects the song with a sultry, emotional intensity that makes it completely her own. The track opens with a slow, simmering piano line that sets the tone for the song’s seductive, haunting quality. Simone’s voice, rich with longing and desire, gives new depth to the lyrics, transforming the song from a mere declaration of obsession to a heart-wrenching plea for love and devotion. The orchestration, lush and atmospheric, enhances the song’s hypnotic quality, with each instrument contributing to the sense of enchantment and yearning. Simone’s passionate delivery and commanding presence take the listener on an emotional journey, pulling them into the singer’s world of longing and desire. The track is a perfect example of Simone’s ability to reimagine a song and make it uniquely her own. Her version of “I Put a Spell on You” is unforgettable, transcending the original and becoming one of her signature songs. The spellbinding performance remains a defining moment in her career, cementing her place as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
6. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (1964)
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” released in 1964, is a powerful plea for empathy and understanding, and one of Nina Simone’s most emotionally charged songs. The track showcases Simone’s incredible vocal range and her ability to express vulnerability and pain. The lyrics reflect a deep yearning to be accepted and understood, offering a raw and heartfelt plea to not be judged too harshly. Simone’s delivery is passionate and full of soul, capturing the complexity of human emotion. The arrangement is minimalistic, allowing her voice to take center stage. The haunting melody, paired with the spare piano accompaniment, creates an intimate atmosphere that draws listeners into the emotional core of the song. Simone’s ability to express the pain of feeling misunderstood is what makes this song so universally relatable. The track’s emotional depth and sincerity have made it one of Simone’s most iconic songs, often cited as an anthem for anyone who has ever felt overlooked or misjudged. The song’s message is timeless, and Simone’s performance remains one of her most moving. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” continues to resonate with audiences, standing as a testament to Simone’s remarkable ability to convey both personal and universal struggles.
7. Four Women (1966)
“Four Women,” released in 1966, is a powerful and unapologetic exploration of racial identity and the intersection of race and gender. Through the song, Nina Simone narrates the stories of four Black women, each one embodying a different facet of the African American experience in the face of societal stereotypes. The song’s lyrics, though stark and unsettling at times, are an important commentary on race, identity, and the challenges faced by Black women in America. Simone’s commanding voice captures the pain, defiance, and strength of each character. The song’s sparse, minimalist arrangement allows Simone’s powerful vocals and the poignant storytelling to shine through. Each woman in the song—named in the lyrics as “Aunt Sarah,” “Sophie,” “Sweet Thing,” and “Peach,”—is presented in a way that emphasizes the complexity of their lives, showing that they are more than just their circumstances. “Four Women” remains one of Simone’s most courageous and bold statements, as it addresses issues of race and gender head-on. It is a powerful piece of art that is still relevant today, providing a window into the struggles and triumphs of Black women throughout history. This track stands as one of Nina Simone’s most important social commentaries.
8. To Be Young, Gifted and Black (1969)
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” released in 1969, is one of Nina Simone’s most inspiring and uplifting songs. Written as an ode to playwright Lorraine Hansberry, the song became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement. The lyrics are a powerful affirmation of pride and hope, celebrating the strength and potential of Black youth. Simone’s delivery is passionate and empowering, urging young Black people to embrace their heritage and identity with pride. The song’s uplifting melody, coupled with Simone’s commanding performance, conveys a message of self-empowerment and resilience. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became a cornerstone of Simone’s activism, providing an anthem of hope during a time of intense social and political upheaval. The track’s message of empowerment and pride resonated deeply with the Black community and beyond, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for people of all ages. Simone’s voice, full of warmth and conviction, brings the song’s message to life, making it one of her most iconic and influential tracks. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” remains an enduring symbol of strength, pride, and hope for future generations.
9. Wild Is the Wind (1966)
Nina Simone’s 1966 rendition of “Wild Is the Wind” is a heart-wrenching love song that captures the fragility and intensity of romantic yearning. With its minimalist piano accompaniment and subtle orchestration, the track allows Simone’s emotive vocals to take center stage, infusing the song with a deep sense of vulnerability. The lyrics, which describe a love that is both unpredictable and all-consuming, are delivered with such passion and longing that they seem to reverberate with every note Simone sings. Her voice, rich and full of emotion, conveys the overwhelming sense of devotion and desire that comes with being in love. The song’s simplicity only enhances its emotional impact, as each word Simone sings feels like a personal confession. “Wild Is the Wind” has become one of Simone’s most beloved songs, hailed as a classic of love and longing. The beauty of her performance lies in its restraint; she conveys so much with so little, drawing the listener into her world of heartache and desire. This hauntingly beautiful track stands as a testament to Simone’s ability to channel the complexities of love into a song that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever experienced passion and loss.
10. Mississippi Goddam (1964)
“Mississippi Goddam,” released in 1964, is a blistering, unapologetic protest song that captures Nina Simone’s raw anger and defiance in the wake of the violent deaths of Medgar Evers and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The song was Simone’s response to the racial injustices she saw happening in the United States, and its fiery lyrics and energetic piano create a sense of urgency and outrage. “Mississippi Goddam” is a call to action, demanding that the systems of oppression be dismantled and that Black lives be respected. Simone’s performance is full of conviction and intensity, as her voice crackles with emotion, urging people to wake up and fight for change. The song’s bold and confrontational message, along with its jazz-infused rhythm, made it both a powerful statement and a piece of art that resonated deeply with the Civil Rights Movement. “Mississippi Goddam” remains a fearless expression of Simone’s commitment to social justice, a song that unapologetically calls out the racism and inequality of its time. It is a timeless anthem for change, and it remains one of her most important and enduring songs in her activist legacy.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
