Mississippi Goddam Nina Simone Influence

In many ways, music becomes a tool by which people shift culture through expression and confronting tough subjects many may not address. Esteemed singer, pianist, and social activist, Nina Simone, kindled emotive discussions of civil rights, racial injustice, and the perspective of being a black American using her amalgamation of jazz, folk, gospel, and classical musical styles. Her earnest delivery of political and social issues at the time propelled her to the forefront of protest music. With genius lyricism evoking strong emotion, Nina Simone’s unique blend of styles, and influential use of thematic civil rights and feminist ideals redefined forthrightness within music, making her one of the most important voices for a generation of black

She puts into perspective the effects of atrocious hate crimes, expressing her worries about safety for her—and many others—life. PBS author and writer, Liz Feilds, notes the song's stinging lyrics defy the melody's upbeat refrains—a criticism of America's propensity to ignore the agony of racism and segregation. The meaning went uncomprehended by the primarily white audience during a performance at Carnegie Hall (“The story behind Nina Simone’s protest song, ‘Mississippi Goddam’”). Nina Simone output sincere protest songs that publicized issues that many may have been ignorant to. Her music became more than mere love songs and passion projects; they became prominent tools by which African and black Americans were heard and represented during times of fear and anger. During a state of inner turmoil throughout the country, Simone’s urgent need to perform informative songs about relevant topics only amplified throughout the years. Because of this, her style allowed her to morph written songs into a subtle ode to the racial struggle and views on being a black American. Simone’s first recorded version of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” was believed to have subtext concerning the way African American’s actions were perceived in America: Oh, baby, I'm just human

Don't you know I have faults like anyone?

Sometimes I find myself alone regretting some

In the article, “Review: 'Nina Revisited... A Tribute To Nina Simone'”, scholar and feminist activist, Salamishah Tillet, analyzes Simone’s interpretive talents, “…she often ended up redefining the very meaning of the song itself…Simone's transformation of the love song, ‘Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood’, whose original melody and chorus lyric were written by Horace Ott after a temporary falling out with his girlfriend…into what sounds like a musical meditation on racial suffering and black existentialism.” The usage of emotions and a sense of personal narration would elevate Simone’s songs beyond their initial intention. A wider range of musical recounting from the black American perspective would be introduced to a generation of people who would have felt villainized under white leadership. Simone’s influence rose from more than just her spectacular talents, but her authenticity and connection with those who heard and understood her