Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Young Gifted And Black (Happy Birthday Nina Simone)


Here's a pinch hit from Stuben:


Hendo pointed out to me that it's Nina's birthday, and since I've been grooving (yes grooving) to the reissue of her 1967 record Silk and Soul, I figured why not post some quick props to one of the most inimitable and passionate voices that has ever been commited to wax.

Nina (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933–April 21, 2003) was, of course, a tremendously gifted vocalist, songwriter and civil rights activist, but unlike many other singers of her generation, her reach far exceeded those of any of her contemporaries. As a credit to her legacy, she has influenced artists as diverse as Fiona Apple, Alicia Keys, Jeff Buckley (who covered "Lilac Wine" live -- see Mystery White Boy), Greg Dulli ("Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair" from the Twilight Singers record She Loves You) and Antony of "the Johnsons" fame. I always found it strange that these guys (particularly Buckley and Antony) managed to nail her breathy delivery and distinctive tremolo more effectively than any female artists.

Happy Birthday to the High Priestess of Soul, and anyone who has any interesting covers/tributes feel free to post:

Nina Simone - Come Ye


Also, happy birthday eliza.

1 comment:

No Name said...

That sounds like a good list - guys who can cover female artists better than females and vice versa.