Since I was three I’ve been playing the piano. I’ve been onstage.
NINA SIMONEI’m just human, I have faults like anyone.
More Nina Simone Quotes
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I love the classics but there are many new ideas to be made into reality. I’d rather be concerned with my own thing. There are many masters of classical piano so I’ll leave it to them.
NINA SIMONE -
Talent is a burden not a joy. I am not of this planet. I do not come from you. I am not like you.
NINA SIMONE -
There’s no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes and heroines are or were.
NINA SIMONE -
I believe in racial memory too. I’m sure I’ve got ancient African blood in me that has something to do with what I am.
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I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about… Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.
NINA SIMONE -
What is love but a prelude to sorrow with heartache ahead for your goal.
NINA SIMONE -
I do love to sing Jacques Brel songs, intensely. I get terribly excited, just by reading a couple of lines in any one of his songs.
NINA SIMONE -
Slavery has never been abolished from America’s way of thinking.
NINA SIMONE -
Through music you can become sad, joyful, loving, you can learn. You can learn mathematics, touch, pacing Oh my God! Ooh Wow You can see colors through music. Anything!
NINA SIMONE -
I was not reluctant to become a singer. Singing has been an activity I’ve done my whole life, without thought.
NINA SIMONE -
I had heard blues and jazz all my life but I was never aware that it was associated with nightclubs and drinking.
NINA SIMONE -
How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?
NINA SIMONE -
Life is short. People are not easy to know. They’re not easy to know, so if you don’t tell them how you feel, you’re not going to get anywhere, I feel.
NINA SIMONE -
I’m a real rebel with a cause.
NINA SIMONE -
I have a cultured manner of speaking.
NINA SIMONE






