Finding Nina
I am an African-American Southern California native. I am a self-taught pianist and singer. I’ve played professionally for churches, weddings, etc. and performed r&b/jazz/soul for hire at special engagements and private parties over the years. Interesting, on more than one occasion, people have told me that I remind them of the beautiful, talented, and amazing Ms. Nina Simone. I was never quite sure what they meant by that because in all honesty (I’m embarrassed to say) I knew almost nothing about her. I didn’t realize how sad that fact was until I got older. It baffled me that I had lived in America all of my life, and considered myself a music lover, yet I knew so little about her. So, I went on a personal quest to learn more about her and to give a serious listen to the music she blessed the world with.
In my quest to find out more, I came across the website www.ninasimone.com. It was very informative! And beyond the wonderful photos and interesting facts, I found the “Nina Simone Radio”. Wow! What a goldmine! As I read about and listened to her, I became more and more humbled to think that anyone would have remotely compared my style to hers! What an amazing talent! What a brave and courageous artist! What a phenomenal African-American woman!
I also noted on the website that an art contest was being held. I saw so many beautiful renderings of this great woman and I wanted so badly to be a part of this celebration of music royalty, but I am no painter. I thought and thought about it for days, and then it came to me! The way that I could honor such a great woman was to use the one art form that she and I both had in common: I would offer a song! So, I set out to write a song for Nina. The song came to me relatively quickly, almost pouring out like water. And for the first time ever in my life, I decided to go to a professional studio and record it. I titled it “Finding Nina”. It is a true reflection of self-discovery and an offering of love and respect to an ancestor to whom my spirit feels kindred.
I hope that my song, in some way, will raise more awareness to others who, like me, may have been robbed of the privilege of experiencing the musical magic of Ms. Nina Simone.
Peace and blessings!
Nancy
Lyrics:
I'm gonna have to admit it
Much as I love music sweet
I gotta say that I've never
Really been down your street
So, I dusted off my old cd's
Lit a candle and pulled the shade
Basked in the beauty of greatness
What a difference your music has made
Finding Nina
Finding Nina
Finding Nina
Finding Me
African Piscean Princess
Brave and unashamed
Gifted by The Ancient of Days
Music's Muze, A Blaze
Finding Nina
Finding Nina
Finding Nina
Finding Me
Funky in Central Park Blues
Play on - Sister play
Sounds so good -
Made me have to sit up
Sit up and look your way
Four Sisters
Celebrating (whoo) celebrating the beauty of every hue (ooo)
How could I ever know
How could I ever know love
When I never knew you?
You sang of injustice -
Mississippi...Alabama
And I sing of injustice in Florida, too
Finding Nina
Finding Nina
Finding Nina
Finding Me
Finding Me (yeah)
Finding Me