 |
 |
|
|
Dawit Hagos, Ethiopia
Sadly I never had a chance to see Nina in concert. However to me Nina Simone was a strong woman, unafraid to speak her mind, always original, and true great in the real sense of the word. A real original who I will sadly miss.
Marlon, UK
I have been listening to Nina since I was a young girl, and was always amazed by her wonderful voice and presence. She will be greatly missed and remembered forever with her beautiful songs.
Victoria Piper, UK
I saw her in concert in Rome in 1968 and then not again till 30 years later in Oxford. She had not changed, was studied in her movements and quite breathtaking to watch let alone listen to. A "Grande Dame" who did not suffer fools but whose music transcends the mundane.
James, UK
I met Dr Nina in 1999 when she agreed to perform at a charity ball in London we had organised for Marie Curie Cancer Care. When the hotel staff started to serve the dessert course while she was singing, she stood up and yelled, "If you ain't listening, I ain't playing!!". A feisty lady with real presence, she will be sadly missed.
Adam, UK
She was breathtaking at the Royal Albert Hall, where I had the privilege of seeing her perform with her daughter, Lisa. A fascinating performance and one of the most memorable evenings I have had in a while. A beautiful woman through and through. You will be missed.
Sophia, Scotland
The one thing I will always remember about 1994 is sitting in the dark in my flat in Pretoria, watching the light show rehearsals for President Nelson Mandela's inauguration at the Union Buildings, with Nina Simone's powerful haunting voice filling the night air. I had only just discovered her music and it will forever be part of my memories of a truly remarkable year.
Ikati, South Africa
I saw her perform in Washington DC a few years ago quite by accident. A tiny ad in a local paper caught my eye and I frantically called the theatre to try and round up tickets. As luck would have it there were a few tickets left and I took my parents to experience her power for the first time of their lives. When she opened her mouth and the notes poured out I broke down and cried. I cried through the entire concert. She was breathtaking.
Anne Mozena, USA
I had the privilege of knowing Miss Simone's parents (her mother was a minister) and brother while growing up in the south of the US. I've often wondered what became of Samuel. My sincere condolences for the loss of a great and moving voice.
Cheryll Gerelle, Switzerland
I was introduced to Nina's music in Amsterdam in the 90s and I have been in love with her sound ever since. She was a true poet with an old sweet soul; who lived her life the way she wanted. Her music will always inspire and affirm. So long Nina, you will be missed.
Sheresa, USA
I accidentally came across Nina Simone's CD a few years ago and I fell in love with that dark sultry voice. When she sings I can hear my feelings in her voice. It is for sure that there will never be another like her.
Noiger Wilks, Canada
She is simply irreplaceable - I Got it Bad has taken me through any heartbreak I've ever had, and today I am unable to stop playing it.
Afi Drake, USA
I grew up in the South and wish I could just see this wonderful person sing once; just once. God bless you Nina.
Don, USA
I am most saddened to learn of the death of Nina Simone, my favourite singer. As a matter of fact my daughter Raquel carries Simone as a middle name. The first album I purchased was High Priestess of Soul which I loaned to a friend but it was never returned. Ironically last week I visited Borders in Fort Lauderdale and purchased the CD, and placed an order for Nina's Anthology. Nina was and always be my NINA. She visited the Bahamas in the 70s and put on a great concert. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace. Heaven is much richer by her passing.
Glenda Lightbourne, The Bahamas
I first heard Nina in the early 60s I was in High School. I still have her albums. God Bless you Nina. I will always love you.
Mayann Streppone, USA
I was lucky to go to her performance at the Royal Albert Hall about three years ago - that night I decided I would miss the train back home so that I could stay until the end of the show; I had the feeling I might not see Nina again. Indeed, it was hell to get home that cold December night, but I did not regret it. I had tears in my eyes while she was singing, she was very special.
Maria Castro, England
Nina, you put a spell on us, with your truly magical lyrics and your genius piano playing. Thank you for the 50 years of music that broke all barriers. You will live on with us playing your music the world over.
Martine Groves, England
She had 'edge' and attitude - she said what she felt, which is more than can be said for the current crop of musicians. Brilliant, truly brilliant - the world will not see her kind again. I am just glad we still have her recordings to remind us.
Pete Morgan-Lucas, UK
Nina Simone was of the 'greats'. A true artist, who 'talked' the talk and 'walked' the walk. Her songs had a life-affirming, uplifting and inspirational quality about them and the words somehow manages to linger on in one's mind long after the music had finished playing. I never met her but she was like a friend to me. Good night, dear friend - sleep well and sweet dreams.
Jennifer Ogundipe-Nakazuki, Osaka, Japan
Nina is dead, it makes me sad. I loved her music from the late sixties, when I was 14 years old. I collected her records over the last 25 years. I had the chance to see and hear her in 1997 at two concerts she gave in Germany. And after the Hamburg-Concert, she even gave me (and others) autographs - what I would have never expected. She will live on through her great music!
Albin Hoff, Germany
When I heard our singer in our jazz band sing, she reminded me directly to Nina Simone, same voice timbre, same gesture. She also died a few months ago. Now Nina has died and I am sure those two are now talking about their great love; jazz. Nina, we'll miss your marvellous voice and personality, we'll never forget you. We wish you a good voyage.
Bart Robbrecht, Belgium
She has led a good life and she has put her footprints in the sand of time. May her gentle soul live in peace {amen}.
Omodayo Omoniyi, Nigeria
Thank you, Nina. What can I say? You are simply the best. Your music is with me always.
Judith Bennett Henry, Bangladesh
She never failed to rouse me. Something which touches the deepest chords of my feelings. I know that I am in presence of another Human Being. She will live on forever in her music and in my heart.
Harsh Govil, India
I first encountered Nina Simone´s music when I was at Liverpool University, at the time of the Beatles & Cavern Club. A different smoky gritty sound, Nina became one of my best loved jazz singers, and The Best Of is still regularly played as a late night chill out album. Few will have the greatness to walk in her footsteps. She will live on in her music, for a long, long time.
Michael Law, Spain
A few years ago, I found my mum's vinyl copy of Nina Simone - Blues, it has rarely left my stereo and anyone who heard it ended up trying to track it down for themselves. There is/was no one who sounded liked Nina, no one whose voice could match the effect it had. Her cover of Bob Dylan's "I shall be released" and the short, sweet but engaging "Buck" are my all time favourites.
SB, UK
When I first saw the electrifying performance of Nina on TV in 1968 as teenager, I developed an insatiable appetite for her music. It was so shocking when I heard the woman of high virtue has passed on. Good night Nina, till we meet again on the glorious resurrection morning. Rest in Perfect Peace.
John P Wiltshire, Abuja, Nigeria
Nina took "I'm Gonna Put a Spell on You" which was originally sung by Screaming Jay Hawkins and made it a potent declaration of "voodoo" love. Heaven must be rocking as the sister saints (Billie, Carmen, Ella, Sarah, Betty et al.) welcome her home.
N. John Chike, USA
Whenever I used to feel down, Nina Simone's music would always help me feel better. Whenever I felt good, her music would make me feel great. She truly was a legendary and she will be deeply missed, but will continue to live through her music and in our hearts.
Hassan, Qatar
When I was 18, I listened to my first Nina Simone concert. We were all hushed in that nightclub in Wash.,DC for fear she might walk out if we were either unruly or un appreciative. We weren't, she didn't and I'm thankful for that introduction in my life of artistic and political rigour from so proud, talented and determined a Black woman. She was a standard bearer of what an artist is to herself and to her society. Thank you Nina and thanks to the BBC for allowing so many to share thoughts and feeling of loss.
Aldridge, France
An individual among people, with style and amazing talent, a great mind, we were lucky to have her grace us with her presence, God be with her. Thank U. x x x x
Vernon Wilson, New Zealand
Oh Nina, we will miss you so very much. I bought my first Nina record album for 99 cents in the 1950's at age 11 and have loved you every minute since. You are like no other. As I write this I am listening to you sing "If you knew/Let it be me" ...you and the Everly Brothers...my childhood brought into adulthood by you, Great Lady. Thank you Nina. We love you
Susan Kelley, U.S.
The world has lost one of the greatest and perhaps may even be the best female figure in the Jazz music arena. Though she came to prominence before I was born, I have grown to adopt and liked her style of music especially her consummate style of presentation. My favourite from her was "My baby just cares for me". Nina epitomize the truly altruistic qualities of a woman that was born to sing and make it to the heights despite the many obstacles. May her soul rest in peace.
Winston R. Mollison, Jamaica
We are very sorry to have never seen her in concert...she had the guts to speak up and be ahead of her time whatever the immediate price, and that voice is awesome too!
Tim and Linda Ransford, Chicago, USA
Her voice was my lilac wine. Heavy. My favourite and trusted Nina Simone album is "Afterhours". When I am down, I listen to every weighty words to assuage my sorry. I bid you adieu, Madame!
Robert Goins, United States
I was deeply saddened to hear of Nina Simone's death. Her distinctive voice and music had touched my soul in a profound way. But more importantly, her deep love and pride for her people is something that is terribly lacking amongst many African American leaders today and will be sorely missed. I will keep her family in my prayers
Ihsan, USA
Ms. Simone, I loved you then (when I found you) and I love you yet; I've read every word I could find about you, purchased every record or CD I could find. The world will be very demeaned by your death; but it has been soooo enriched by your presence. Bless you.
Patz, USA
Nina Simone, The High Priestess of Soul will be greatly missed, but never ever forgotten. Her music, her voice, her strong attitude, her soul will continue to be an inspiration for future generations of those who are Young, Gifted and Black.
Nandi Hajar, USA
Oh no. I found this out just by chance. I don't know what to say: she, she was an inspiration to me. "The birds flying high. They know what I mean". I'm just not Feeling Good. But hey Nina, tomorrow, on a new dawn, a new day. I just might. I thank you for that. Goodbye.
Colin, England
My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Simone. Indeed she will be missed by many. It was only a week ago riding in my recently deceased father's car that I pick a tape from his collection and as it began the sultry voice of Ms. Simone came through the speakers. I began reminiscing about some of her most memorable songs, my children and I loved to sing and dance to, one in particular "To be Young Gifted and Black". And I was sadden this morning to hear of her departure. Nina Simone will live on in her music. I am glad to say that I had an opportunity to listen and experience the joy of her music. May God Bless her spirit.
Valerie Good, USA - America
Nina Simone's music has been and will continue to be food for my soul. I went to see her in concert, about five years ago - it was a deeply moving spiritual experience which has remained with me.
Terrence Mignott, U.S.A
Nina's music took me places most young white girls in 60s America didn't get to very easily. Turning 15 the decade after, I insisted I had to see her perform live when she came to San Francisco. Her courage to sing out against racial injustice marked me for life. If there's any segregation in heaven, it's between the best singers and the rest of them. Nina, gifted chile, you go straight to the front.
Alexa Dvorson, Germany
Anyone who could make 'Mood Indigo' swing, as Nina Simone did, is like the composer of that jazz classic, "Beyond Category." No vocalist is as deserving of that accolade as Nina Simone. We were lucky to have her grace us with her gift several times during the last decade here in Washington D.C. There goes the sun. A sad day indeed, but a legacy to be celebrated and cherished. Thank you Nina.
Y. Islam, USA
Ms. Simone's art and life have been and will continue to be a testament to personal integrity and unwavering commitment to strongly held ideals. She is and will always be a one of a kind artist who's music has a unique power to inspire, unite and mesmerize. I feel a great sense of personal loss to know that her voice has been stilled, but take great solace in knowing that her music and her ideals will live on (my children, who are now 4 and 2, will certainly grow up listening to her!). My sincere sympathy to her family and friends. What a loss.
Nancy Taylor, USA
A Black woman of renown fame. Her music in the 70's was an inspiration to us young Jamaicans seeking our own identity. Her music will live on.
David Nevins, Jamaica
The World has lost one of the most gracious figures of Jazz Music. She was not only an artist, but a devoted politician to her cause in conjunction with the Black Civil Right Movement which gives her a great credit.
Hany Rengier, Germany
I met Nina when she was brought by a friend to my 21st birthday party in November of 1956. She played piano with me and my friends playing other instruments. We woke up the neighbours who at first called police but then joined the party. We became friends when she was living at 52nd and Race in Philadelphia. She was a great talent with a large following here even before she made her first recording which included "I Loves you Porgy". I last saw her in Los Angeles in 1986 or '87, when she was playing at the Vine St. Bar and Grill. It was obvious that she had been greatly changed by the traumas and other events of her life. Although I haven't seen her since 1987, I will miss her. But she will live on in her recordings. May she rest in peace.
Walter Johnson, Philadelphia, USA
A truly wonderful talent, a great diva in both style and elegance. Outspoken, independent, but always sincere. So many great recordings, such a storied career. The music will live on always, but she will surely be missed.
E M Bishop, USA
"Ain't Got No-I Got Life" This was the piece that first instilled in me the rich content of Nina's music and ever since, I have loved to listen to her. Her voice gave me strength as an African student in what was then quite a racist community in London of the late 1960s. She will be missed by millions of my type all over the world. Michael, Washington DC, USA.
M Azefor, USA
