The arts prevail through every single century. They reflect our times, our mindsets, our priorities, and most importantly, our humanity. Art gives us the opportunity to live on through all forms: painting, theatre, literature, performance, and, in this case, music.
The Civil Rights Movement was heavily influenced and dependent on music in order to get their messages across. Spirituals, blues, and folk were essentials for the African-American community’s musical influence. As it stands today, though, Nina Simone will forever be the song and soul of the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1933, on February 21st, Nina “The High Priestess of Soul” Simone came into this world as Eunice Waymon. She was a prominent singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and civil rights activist in her lifetime. Though Simone is often recognized as a figure in the jazz scene, her music was versatile, often blending in a variety of genres, such as gospel, blues, folk, pop, and classical.
Simone had a talent like no other, and it was recognized by a number of benefactors who happily funded her to nurture her skills. She had been classically taught by Muriel Mazzanovich, an English musician specialising in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Chopin, Brahms, Beethoven, and Schubert, and with that she went on to create her own biggest hits.
The most remarkable thing about Simone’s talent, however, was the platform she created for herself. She was adamant on speaking out about racism and demanding equality. Her music explored the trauma experienced by the Black community and, more importantly, called out to people in need of reparations. The art she put out was inherently political and fueled Black Power and Black Nationalism Movements of the time and today.
Music and art have evolved since Simone, but the messages she left are timeless. She has gone on to inspire people, whether it be musically or politically. Art and activism take many forms. For the sake of Black history, remember her name.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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