Nina Simone

American singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, arranger and civil rights activist, born 21 February 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, USA, died 21 April 2003 in Carry-le-Rouet, Bouches-du-Rhône, France (aged 70) Nina was giving piano recitals after playing at her local church at an early age. Her childhood piano lessons were funded by her mother's employer and a local fund set up by her music teacher, so impressed wer…