Nina Simone was a classically trained pianist who turned to jazz, blues, and folk to become one of the most powerful voices of the 20th century. Known as the 'High Priestess of Soul,' her deep contralto voice and virtuosic piano playing were matched by her fierce activism. In 1964, she released 'Mississippi Goddam' in response to the murder of Medgar Evers and the Birmingham church bombing, marking her transition into a prominent Civil Rights leader. Simone’s music defied genre, blending Bach-style counterpoint with African rhythms and gospel soul. Despite facing discrimination and struggling with mental health, she remained uncompromising in her art. Her version of 'Feeling Good' and her original 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' remain timeless anthems of empowerment and resilience.