The Very Best of Nina Simone, Legendary Jazz Musician

Nina Simone was Eunice Kathleen Waymon's stage name. A brilliant jazz legend that is also remembered as a civil rights activist, Simone passed away in 2003 but she left behind a wonderful collection of music. I respect her talent and that she used her fame to expose the inequality of the world. Still, many people do not know who Nina Simone was, especially those who do not listen to jazz. Perhaps you would recognize her music from the Point of No Return (starring Bridget Fonda) movie or soundtrack.

My beloved Uncle enjoyed Nina Simone's music and I credit him to introducing me to this legendary jazz musician. Nina's songs are very mellow and relaxing. Her lyrics often invoke rumination for me or conjures images of a smoky jazz joint in the 1960's with Nina and band on stage. Reeling back to reality, let's get on with the countdown of the top ten songs by the legendary jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, Nina Simone --

10. "Ooh Child" The Very Best of Nina Simone, Here Comes the Sun and Legends CD3 albums

Nina sings of hope, "ooh child, things are going to get easier...brighter...Someday we'll get it together and we'll get it undone...when the world is much brighter...we'll walk together in a beautiful sun." This song continually reminds me to put any current problems into perspective. We have come a long way toward being "One People" but have a long road to travel before full equality is realized.

9. "To Love Somebody" The Very Best of Nina Simone and Legends CD3 albums

This song reminds me of past heartbreaks that seem like a lifetime ago. I am happy those blinders have been removed and I'm content even though "I ain't got you."

8. "Sinnerman" The Very Best of Nina Simone and LegendsCD3 albums

The most well known song by Nina, even if you are not into jazz music, is a long one (10 minutes). I feel this track is reflective of Simone's inner turmoil.

7. "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free" The Very Best of Nina Simone album

This song is about the inequality of Nina's generation that I can relate to. Thankfully, times have improved in regard to racism but there is still an abundance of deprivation in the world today. Too make yourself feel better, please listen to the #1 song on this best of Nina list *smile.

6. "Angel of the Morning" Nina Simone Legends CD3 album

A Juice Newton cover that brings good memories to mind and Simone does the song sweet justice. The passion in her voice along with the piano's beautiful sound is gripping.

5. "Here Comes the Sun" Nina Simone Legends CD2 album

Part of what makes Nina's jazz so grandiose is that she could sing without any instruments to back her and still sound fabulous. This song (and so many of her others) supports that theory. The instruments are cherry on the cake though. Perhaps it's my association with "You are my Sunshine" that makes this song super special to me.

4. "Just like a Woman" Nina Simone Legends CD2 and Let it be Me albums

A Bob Dylan cover that has a very original sound that one would expect from a jazz legend and the usual passion that Nina's singing adds.

3. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" The Very Best of Nina Simone and Legends CD3 albums

Perhaps the best lyrics from her collection and sung with so much passion, this jazz track gets me every time. My favorite lyric, "Sometimes it seems that all I have is worry and then you're bound to see my other side, but I'm just a soul whose intensions are good. Oh lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

2. "Feelin' Good" - The Very Best of Nina Simone and I Put a Spell on You albums

This song represents a sense of freedom or the possibility of a fresh start. It makes me feel 'freaky' with the funkadelic horning behind Nina's vocals (sort of reminds me of a strip tease). Based on my top three picks, you could deduce that I am a sensitive soul and yes, it gets me in trouble often.

1. "Ain't Got No (I Got Life)" - The Very Best of Nina Simone and Legends CD3 albums

A strong piano and lyrics about what "I ain't got" and what "I got...my hair...mouth...fingers...bootie..." My favorite Nina Simone song, it reminds me of my Mom, who was fond of reminding us to be grateful for our health when feeling bad about what we do not have.

Note: While I have noted Nina Simone albums these top ten songs are on, I know there are more albums with these tracks that I did not list. Nina is a music legend with a large library.

Sources:

Nina Simone, Wikipedia

Nina Simone, Music Category, Amazon