Nina Simone

Ms. Nina Simone, reminds us that the most poignant vocal performances are not always the ones that are pristine.  Nina Simone's vocal style was unique.  Her voice was truly magnetic, drawing us down to the depths of the turbulent waters that filled her soul.  Darkness, warmth, tragedy and truth are tattooed on each line of every lyric she sang.  

Nina Simone was also a songwriter and a remarkable pianist.

If you haven't heard Ms. Simone, take a listen.  

This post is not about Ms. Simone's days as an activist or her personal challenges.  If you want to learn more about her, you can visit Wikipedia:  

https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome-psyapi2&ion=1&espv=2&es_th=1&ie=UTF-8&q=singers%20from%20the%2040%27s&oq=singers%20from%20the%2040%27s&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.6045j0j7

Singing is a Soul Thing

I was just watching, on Youtube, an amazing performance given by Christina Aguilera at the 2007 Grammy Awards, as a tribute to the late James Brown.  She sang It's a Man's World.  I am sure many of you have seen this performance.  That girl dug down deep, and I am quite sure, made the Father of soul, (R.I.P.) proud!

Unfortunately, for me, I scrolled down and caught a few comments, which made me sad.  People picking at her in one way or another, even slamming her technical ability.  Really?!  C'mon!  Just enjoy the show folks, and quit being armchair critics.

Man, its the soul of the singer!  YES, of course it is the ability too, but its the ability woven with the threads of the singer's soul, and the human imperfections that make the iconic singers, great.  The note may not be pure, but its human.  It's rough, its painted, its ethereal, its breathy, its bold, its sexy It's a performance.

Who would pick apart Billie Holiday or Frank Sinatra?  Bessie Smith or Steven Tyler?  Janis Joplin or Nina Simone.  All impactful singers and performers.  Not one of them perfect singers.  Thankfully!