In 1965, her sparse interpretation of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” reminded listeners of harsh realities African Americans once faced in the United States. Simone’s groundbreaking compositions “Young, Gifted and Black” and “Four Women” defined a songwriting voice that was proudly and defiantly black and female. It was inspired by Billie Holiday – one of her biggest influences – and was the beginning of her national recognition. Her debut album, 1958’s Little Girl Blue, contained her biggest hit – a cover of “I Loves You Porgy” from George and Ira Gershwin’s 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. Yet her nickname was “The High Priestess of Soul.” And in some ways, that astonishing, unclassifiable range has made it especially difficult to assess Simone’s legacy. While considered a jazz singer, Simone was classically trained and cited Bach as an influence. Blige told Rolling Stone when the magazine named Nina Simone one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
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