She’ll Put a Spell On You

This remembrance yesterday from the St. Louis American of one of the truly great artists of our times, or any other:
“Wishing a happy birthday to the iconic Nina Simone – who would have been 80 years old today… Let us take a moment to honor her for breaking down barriers with her music, helping change perceptions regarding the standard of beauty for women of color and being a trailblazer with respect to celebrating blackness and Afrocentrism.”

 

Here is Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You.” Be prepared to be spellbound.

 

 

And here is her rendition of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” the song that introduced me to her voice, and riveting presence behind the piano.

 

 

 

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