Andy R, Poland
Nina told stories through her songs in a voice that made you felt unperturbed. Her raspy, at times off key, vocal added to the story telling a touch of reality. While Billey Holliday touched our heart, Nina Simone touched our humanity. Thanks for being true to your craft Nina.
N Girma, United States
This is a very sad day. The world has lost a giant. I can't express my sorrow at the loss of this great woman. I always be grateful for Nina's music, her beauty and her tremendous spirit. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family. Nina, you were loved and will be loved until the end of time.
Carsonlea, Canada
Like a star you shone, but the unfortunately it can not be forever. Goodnight Nina.
Lade, UK
A legend. My favourite Nina Simone song is Sinnerman. Thank you for your music to the world. Farewell Nina.
David Wong, Malaysia
Saw her at Ronnie Scott's about twenty years ago. Like many people we arrived for the first of two sets, which was fantastic, and stayed for the second. She started an exact repeat of the first set and a few people heckled her. Knowing her reputation we thought she'd storm off but she didn't. She pulled from somewhere an even higher level of performance, singing spontaneously whatever songs moved her. It was a magical experience.
Teresa Giles, UK
With the growing preponderance of manufactured bands and overnight celebrity, I find the passing of a true talent hits me even deeper. I was lucky enough to see her at Wolverhampton in 1990 - superb. And whilst her version of 'Here Comes the Sun' wasn't strictly jazz or blues, it shimmers with beauty. You will live on, Nina.
Chris Friday, UK
I will never forget seeing her chain-smoking like crazy on Richard and Judy's show! Well done for having the guts to be who you are and not conforming to suit others!
Elisabeth Smith, UK
Nina Simone was a great person, she has inspired the lives of many people. May the good Lord grant her eternal rest and may her soul rest in piece.
Constantine Madurampulle, Saudi Arabia
I had the privilege to be the president of Nina's first British fan club from 1965-70 and beyond the impact she had on me through her music, I learned so much from her personally about standing up for one's beliefs, about artistic integrity, passion and honesty.
David Nathan, USA
Very saddened to hear the news. She was a legend. Saw her in concert in London, Hammersmith and very very moving to hear her voice especially when she sang "My father". Wonderful songwriter, will be missed.
Lorraine Campbell, Bermuda
A while ago Nina appeared at an awards ceremony. They asked her which other artists she rated, and she replied with a drawl "Maria Callas". The compare looked a little awkward and asked, "Well, which current artists do you admire?" and she replied "I don't". Superb. She said her piece, and just got on with it. No time for all that faff. Pompous, but with such class.
Graeme Hawley, Edinburgh, Scotland
I am "Young Gifted and Black" thanks to your inspired work and dedication. My parents played your music when I was a child and teenager. I finally as an adult was able to take them to a concert in Saratoga, California. One of your last. I will and my parents will be forever blessed by your music. Rest in peace.
Bessieb, USA
Nina was an inspiration in my youth. My proudest possession in my home is a painting of her, done by a friend of mine in Prishtine, Kosova, which shows her universal appeal.
Eddie Machen, Albania
I saw Nina in Nice in 1989, a wonderful concert. Her death is a sad loss to the world.
Simon Henry, Egypt
My wife and I got the chance to see Nina in Philadelphia two years ago. Her voice was just stunning. I am so thankful we got that chance to see and hear her. She spoke of her life as an artist and the commitment she felt to tell the truth. An incredible wit and charm was evident from the stage, how unfortunate that so many were denied the chance to see her due to the politics of the era (1960s). Do yourself a favour and get every CD of Nina's you can find and listen carefully to the words and the beauty of her magical voice. I love you Nina.
Donald C. Lawson III, United States
You have added so much to my life, Nina. I write this with tears in my eyes. I loved you. Loved you. How precious you have been. I saw several of your concerts and convinced more than a few of my friends to subscribe to your camp. Yours was one of my first investments in jazz albums, Mississippi Goddam. I played this album over and over and over loud enough that all neighbours in my building and the next heard your beautiful voice. Finally, I met you backstage at the Hollywood Bowl. Even though I'm not a fan-type person, I felt as if I were in the presence of a deity. Thank you, my dear Nina, for having opened your mouth to this world and to my life. I will miss you so much.
Runninghorse, USA
To the Great, The Beautiful, our shining STAR. Nina Simone... Rest in Peace Baby girl - you'll be missed. I now believe in Heaven, because there is no other place befitting for such a voice. Thanks
JahSun, Boston, MA USA
Since Nina's start in music, I have never stopped playing her records over all these years. Her music is timeless. I first saw Nina perform at Storyville in Boston, MA during the mid-sixties. This experience has always stayed with me. Nina Simone was one of the first people to bring 'art' into me life, and joy. Like the passing of Ella Fitzgerald, Nina's death leaves me greatly sadden.
Ernie Andrades, Boston, MA, USA
I came across 'My Baby Cares for Me' on a soundtrack and instantly I was drawn to her passionate, seductive charismatic voice. I was hooked. Alongside Louis Armstrong she fuelled my fire for liking jazz music. I'm now going to try my best to get to heaven and catch "Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone- One Night Only!"
Chris, Wales
A salute to one of the greatest performers of all time. We will miss you even here in Cairo. I'm a singer and I will sing "My Baby Just Cares" in her memory.
Ahmedito, Egypt
Nina Simone, her music was so fresh and pure. Her beliefs and values were brought out in her music. I am 21, and my mum introduced me to her music, and I glad she did. As will I to my children. Rest in Peace.
Justin Perry, England
Nina Simone inspires me daily with her powerful voice and beautiful, deep lyrics. Although she has sadly passed on her music and spirit will live on in my heart.
Jo Spooner, UK
Mr Bojangles, and later, Baltimore, moved me to the core. Nina Simone, you gave me some most precious gifts and memories. Thank you so much. Heaven now has a new angel.
Gary Bailey, Australia
Any time any mood Nina's always a lift; decades of dancing to her ageless lyrics with friends and family from generation to generation none of our parties are complete without her beautiful voice. Love you Nina.
Katy Hepburn, UK
Nina, you have been there with me through every break-up and low point in my life. You always got me back on track. I will miss you but know your light will live on through your music.
Ivan, UK
One who will never be forgotten. She was as Wild as the Wind and her music will remain with us always. God bless Nina.
Victoria Barr, UK
Undoubtedly one of the worlds best, she will be sadly missed. Her voice was hypnotising, especially when singing Baltimore which I will often listen to with soft lighting on a romantic summer evening.
Julie Appleby, UK
I was four years old when I first heard her version of "Ain't Got No-I Got Life" on the radio. 35 years on, I still look up to Nina as the key goddess of 50s/60s vocal jazz, and she will be greatly mourned by many.
Gene Robertson, London, England
Gone too soon, sadness prevails, but your voice will live on to inspire others and to continue to give pleasure to those of us who "grew up" listening to you.
Angela Williams, UK
Wow! Nina Simone gone! Amazing lady who gave so much to so many people. We will all miss her. Thank you Nina.
Nicky, UK
Nina I love you! Your voice will always be in my heart. You are my shining star. Thank you so much! I am kissing you.
Mariana Todorova, Bulgaria
Nina Simone had an unforgettable, sultry, sexy voice that once heard, was never forgotten. Her song "Young, gifted and black" became a sort of unofficial anthem here many years ago, and has been rerecorded by dozens of black artistes. That says it all. We'll miss her voice and her message.
Karl Aiken, Jamaica
A visionary for the past and future. Faithful to her roots, her blues, the world is a dimmer place, keep shining.
Adam Wakeling, UK
Nina, your soulfulness and courage to sing in the face of all that acts to deny our humanity will be deeply missed. Knowing you were there playing your piano, singing, helped me to get through the really rough times. Your music lives on and your spirit will continue to form the rhythm of life.
Gregory Tewksbury, Brooklyn, USA
"My Baby Just Cares For Me" - I first heard this song in 1987 and I was enthralled and captivated by her voice and the melody.... I dashed out to pick up my first Nina album! Her music and I remain inseparable.
Lekan, Nigeria
Nina, your strength and ability to be yourself - no matter what the circumstance - have inspired many a young African American, and many others around the world. Forever there will only be one Nina Simone.
Tobias Tanner, Switzerland
Ms Simone soothed and uplifted me at significant times in my life. I still refuse to date a man who hasn't heard you sing!
Jenn Pelley, Australia
I'm saddened by this great loss. A great performer with a courageous conscience. Mississippi Godamn!
Brendan O'Neill, Madrid
You have been an all-time great jazz musician, along with Bessie, Billie, Ella, Dinah and Sassy. You gave us years of enjoyment. Now you will hopefully be the lead singer in the heavenly choir. God bless you.
Allan & Lynda Davis, USA
I bought your first album in 1969 and your testimony to incredible music is even my kids love you and play your music to this very day. God bless and thanks.
John McCash, UK
You were a piano virtuoso, a singer with a range and timbre unmatched and a powerful voice for the freedom of being. Like any true legend, it is hard to believe that anyone could hear your music and remain unmoved by it.
James Clark, UK
Cherish is the word I use to describe... a unique talent who epitomised the personal as political.... if you knew how I loved you...
Jane, England
I grew up in a house that rang to the voice and piano genius of Nina Simone. "I love you, Porgy", and "The Backlash Blues" will ring in my ears forever. A sad day, but one that reminds a son of his father's excellent taste in music!
Alistair Leeson, UK
Nina was larger than life and a born legend, I was lucky enough to see her perform at a packed show at the NJ-PAC center a few years ago, one of her first shows in the US after a long absence.
She was amazing, vibrant and truly breath taking. I was listening to her album The Blues just last night, she will be greatly missed.
Thank You Nina, you gave it all, and with such grace, style, class and love.
Samantha Bliss, USA
Ever since I learned about blues, jazz, gospel and the like, I have always been a great admirer of Nina Simone. One of the best television programmes I have ever seen was Nina during her production of one of her LP albums - always the professional with a great talent and sense of humour. I just hope the BBC will show again the series "Brown Sugar" in which she featured with many others of her generation. I shall miss her as I do many others, such as Mahalia Jackson and Louis Armstrong.
Michael Chandler, England
God bless you Miss Simone, your songs and your beautiful voice got me through the sad days. You're one of the greatest.
Alan, UK
Thank you Nina Simone. Your songs were and will be a tribute to all the black people. Your voice came from the roots... If you keep on singing you can even make the Angels swing. Thank you! Bye.
August Wolters, Netherlands
Ms Simone: Your music always made us proud We will always miss you. Have a peaceful rest. Bye
Kwadjo Wordie, Ghana
Ms Nina Simone. A true example of beauty and talent. She showed the real blend between jazz and blues. Her clear sexual soulful voice is pure and strong. I write this in the present tense because her music is she; and her music will live, with me, forever! A great African American daughter is now tour to sing for the almighty. Farewell my sister, farewell
Henry Cheatham, USA
Thank you for the songs and the memories, you put a spell on us!
Ademola Oshodi, Toronto, Canada
I am 31 years old and discovered Ms Simone in my 20s. She has since become my voice. Her music has seen me through happy times and sad times. She will be greatly missed!
Shellae, USA
I had tickets to see her in Manchester last year but the concert was cancelled because of her illness and now I will never see her sing live. But her voice and her personality live on in her recordings. Rest easy, Nina and thank you for your passion and your commitment and for sharing the magic of your voice
Jo Raine, UK
A gift and a joy for me and many others I know.
Nick Holden, UK
I am simply devastated: what more can be said about such a tremendous loss?
Jason Harrell, Netherlands
Nina, you helped me through thick and thin. You are much loved and will be greatly missed.
Chris Kurecka, UK
Nina Simone captured the beauty of art and the intensity of struggle in her music. She is gone, but her spirit lives on in all those inspired by her to work for a more just and beautiful world.
David Peterson, USA
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