Nina Simone

Sameer Rao Jan 9, 2019 3:24PM EST

LISTEN: Nina Simone's Ode to 'Young, Gifted and Black' Children Still Matters

Meshell Ndegeocello and Somi discuss the enduring importance of Simone’s 1969 tribute to Black youth for NPR’s American Anthem series.

Brown house interior with doorways to two rooms and assorted brown and white furnishings

Sameer Rao Jun 19, 2018 4:06PM EDT

National Trust Joins Mission to Save Nina Simone's Childhood Home

The conservation organization deemed the house a “National Treasure.” Now it’s working with a group of artists dedicated to protecting it.

Black-and-white image of Black woman in patterned head wrap with hoop earrings and patterned halter top in front of grey background

Sameer Rao Dec 13, 2017 11:43AM EST

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inducts Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe Into 2018 Class

Simone features in a class dominated by rock bands, while Tharpe will posthumously receive the Award for Early Influence.

Black-and-white image of Black woman in black blouse in front of brick wall with artwork; Black-and-white image of Black woman in grey dress in front of dark grey curtain

Sameer Rao Oct 5, 2017 12:40PM EDT

Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe Nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The influential Black singer-songwriters are part of a list of nominees that spans generations.

Black-and-white photo of Black woman in headwrap and black outfit seated at black piano with white keys near black microphone and stand

Sameer Rao Mar 2, 2017 11:37AM EST

How Four Black Artists Joined Forces to Save Nina Simone's Childhood Home

Rashid Johnson: “My feeling when I learned that this house existed was just an incredible urgency to make sure it didn’t go away.”

Black man in black shirt against red and grey background

Sameer Rao Jan 12, 2017 10:43AM EST

This 'Black-ish' Scene Perfectly Captures Many Black Americans' Reaction to the Election

“Black people wake up every day believing that our lives are gonna change, even though everything around us says it’s not.”

Black woman with blonde hair smiles in red dress against blurry blue-purple-lit background

Sameer Rao Jan 3, 2017 4:07PM EST

British Singer Will Perform at Trump's Inauguration Under One Condition

Rebecca Ferguson wants to sing “Strange Fruit,” which she described as “a reminder of how love is the only thing that will conquer all the hatred in this world.”

Barack Obama in dark navy suit with white shirt and navy tie with white stripes

Sameer Rao Aug 12, 2016 11:02AM EDT

Wake Up and Wind Down With President Obama's New Two-Part Spotify Playlist

The playlist, curated for day and night, features artists as varied as Jidenna, Esperanza Spalding and Billie Holiday.

Black woman in red dress stands in front of blue background

Kenrya Rankin Jun 20, 2016 11:58AM EDT

Zoe Saldana on 'Nina' Biopic: 'We F--king Won'

The actress claps back at critics who felt she was the wrong actress to portray Nina Simone.

Kenrya Rankin Apr 21, 2016 12:43PM EDT

Zoe Saldana Shares Why She Agreed to Nina Simone Biopic

The much-criticized actress also spilled what she learned from making the film.

Kenrya Rankin Mar 21, 2016 12:37PM EDT

READ: Ta-Nehisi Coates on Why the Nina Simone Biopic Debate is More Than Skin Deep

“But there is something deeply shameful—and hurtful—in the fact that even today a young Nina Simone would have a hard time being cast in her own biopic. In this sense, the creation of ‘Nina’ is not a neutral act. It is part of the problem.”

Kenrya Rankin Mar 3, 2016 2:42PM EST

Nina Simone's Estate, Internet Go Off After Seeing 'Nina' Trailer

Much of the backlash has been directed at star Zoe Saldana, rather than the filmmakers.

Kenrya Rankin Mar 2, 2016 2:43PM EST

The 'Nina' Biopic Now Has a Trailer

Yup.

Kenrya Rankin Mar 1, 2016 4:06PM EST

Poster, Release Date for Zoe Saldana's Nina Simone Biopic

The disaster-plagued “Nina” will finally arrive in theaters on April 22. Will you watch?

Sameer Rao Jan 14, 2016 12:08PM EST

Oscar Nominations are So White, Even the 'Straight Outta Compton' Nominees are White

No love for Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan or anybody from the “Straight Outta Compton” cast?

Kenrya Rankin Dec 2, 2015 12:53AM EST

WATCH: Nina Simone Talks Revolution and Black Pride in Never Released Interview

Nina Simone: “It’s a good time for Black people to be alive. It’s a lot of hell and a lot of violence. But I feel more alive now than I ever have in my life.”