Some people were just born to change the world.
Nina Simone wasn’t just a brilliant singer and pianist, she was also a civil rights activist who fought for equality her whole life. With countless noteworthy performances, Simone was a different kind of artist who demanded your attention with her sheer talent.
In this video, Nina Simone plays “I Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” in 1968 and her voice is simply incredible.
Nina Simone was known for her broad range of musical abilities and rose to fame in the ’50s for her powerful voice and wicked piano skills. At 12 years old, Simone got her first gig playing a classical recital. When her parents were moved from the front row to make room for the white people, Simone refused to play until they were moved back up which was the start of her civil rights fight.
Simone has one of the most unique voices to ever grace the stage, and she proves it in this performance of “I Ain’t Got No, I Got Life.”
The legendary singer is accompanied by a band and surrounded by admiring fans as the video begins.
She starts the song off nice and mellow, but she gets more and more electric as the show goes on.
People watch in amazement as Simone plays the piano and sings at the same time. Yes, her music is gorgeous, but there is also certain energy to the icon that screams power.
The rare footage from 1968 gives a look into Simone’s performing style and captures so many spectacular angles.
When the camera zooms in for a close-up, her dangling earrings sway back and forth as she bops her head while singing.
Simone’s passion for music came out every time she played.
It’s not every day you find someone as talented as Nina Simone. Not only does she sing and play beautifully, but her live shows are up there with the best of all time!
Simone used her music to fight for the rights of Black Americans, particularly with the controversial song “Mississippi Goddam” that she would later say hurt her career as a result of white-owned record labels boycotting her music.
As Simone gets toward the end of “I Ain’t Got No, I Got Life,” she really lets her vocals soar!
She plays as if no one is watching, letting her gift take over as the crowd becomes more and more enthralled with her aura.
Some artists are truly one-of-a-kind, and Nina Simone is one of them! The audience goes wild as the powerhouse singer finishes on one strong note.
Even all these years later, music lovers can’t get enough of Nina Simone.
Since this video was posted online, it has earned tens of millions of viewsa.
The 1968 performance of “I Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” has been viewed over 52.7 million times, with 336,000 people who liked it.
Thousands of people also left comments for the deep singer, with many explaining the power and meaning of her music. Specifically on songs like this one, which she wrote particularly for Black Americans to shine a light on their struggle for civil rights and freedom.
Nina Simone wasn’t just an extraordinary singer and pianist—she used her platform to fight for the oppressed, and that’s something money can’t buy!
To see Nina Simone nail this live show in London, just watch the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
