The name Nina Simone can mean many things to many people. Casual fans of her music will no doubt remember her hits like 'I Loves You Porgy', or 'My Baby Just Cares For Me'. For others, though, Nina Simone was one of the most defiant and outspoken performers in the jazz field for much of her career.

After an initial rise to fame in the 1950s, Nina started to use her music as a form of protest in the 1960s, becoming one of the most prominent artists involved in the civil rights movement in America.

On this episode, we wind back the years on the singer and pianist's incredible career. You'll hear from Simone herself and we'll touch on why her music was and still is so important to this very day.

This episode was presented by bass player and ABC Jazz host, Eric Ajaye,, and written and produced by ABC Jazz producer Henry Rasmussen.  It was created by ABC Jazz and originally broadcast on 5 November 2024. Find out more information on Nina Simone, who was the Jazz Legend on ABC, for November 2024, here.

ABC Jazz features a Jazz Legend each month on the radio, with historic moments, significant albums and a full-length feature to immerse into the important history of this music and culture.  Hear more Jazz Legends episodes here, including significant artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Joni Mitchell, Keith Jarret, Mary Lou Williams and Herbie Hancock.