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About: Eunice Kathleen Waymon, known professionally as Nina Simone, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. Her music spanned styles including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop. 
Genres: R&B/Soul, Jazz
Active from: 1954 - 2002
Origin: North Carolina, U.S.A.

Nina Simone

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Display Poster

Download, print and display this awesome poster. Share with everyone who your Musician of the Month!

Assembly PPT

Download our assembly PPT to start each month. The resource can be used in class or for the whole school. It contains a range of descriptions and facts.

Home Information Sheet

Download and send out a monthly information sheet for your community. There is information about the musician, along with a playlist QR code.

Week 1

Video 1

My Baby Just Cares for Me

"My Baby Just Cares for Me" captures the tender devotion between two souls. Her unique voice and exquisite piano arrangement evoke love's blissful embrace with captivating grace.

Resource 1

Knowledge Organiser

Use the knowledge organiser as a reading and retrieval activity to learn as much about Nina Simone as possible. 

Week 2

Video 2

Mississippi Goddam

"Mississippi Goddam" is a searing protest against racial injustice and the violence faced by African Americans. With fierce vocals and bold lyrics, she confronts the systemic oppression with unapologetic courage and righteous anger."

Resource 2

Quiz

Once the knowledge organiser has been read and learned, have a go at the multiple-choice quiz or use it as an assessment on children's knowledge so far.

Week 3

Video 3

Feeling Good

"Feeling Good" is an empowering anthem of self-liberation. Her soul-stirring vocals and the song's infectious energy uplift the spirit, urging listeners to embrace newfound joy and confidence in the face of adversity.

Resource 3

Listening and Comparing

Compare a cover by Nina Simone of the original song 'I Put a Spell on You' by Screamin' Jay Hawkins, as well as a cover of Feeling Good by Muse. 

Week 4

Video 4

Love Me or Leave Me

"Love Me or Leave Me" showcases her emotive storytelling. With raw vulnerability and commanding vocals, she navigates the complexities of love, demanding respect and commitment, while capturing the bittersweet essence of romantic relationships.

Resource 4

Greatest Influence (Bach)

Complete a reading retrieval task about Johan Sebastian Bach and respond to one of his compositions in a listening activity.

Extras

Why

(The King of Love is Dead)

​Why (The King of Love is Dead)" by Nina Simone is a powerful protest song mourning the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., capturing the collective grief, anger, and hope for change in just three minutes.

BBC Site

Black History Month

October is Black History Month and can be explored further on the BBC Site, which has a range of useful videos and resources for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. 

Books to Read

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone

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Little Leaders

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Nina Simone Playlists

If you like Nina Simone, try...

Sarah Vaughan

Billie Holiday

Miles Davis

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