Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, was an American singer, composer, pianist, and civil rights activist. Her work was influenced by classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop music.

Her father, John Divine Waymon, ran a barbershop, a dry cleaner, and a nightclub, while her mother, Mary Kate Irvin, was a Methodist minister. The sixth of eight children in a destitute environment, she began playing piano at the age of three or four; the first song she learned was “God Be With You, Till We Meet Again”.

She demonstrated her piano skills at the local church. She gave her first classical performance when she was twelve years old. Simone later reported that her parents, who were sitting in the first row, were forced to move to the back of the hall during the performance to make room for white people.

Where is Nina Simone’s grave?

Her death occurred in the French town of Carry-le-Rouet. Despite having a funeral at the Lady of the Assumption church, Simone was cremated rather than buried.

Her ashes were then dispersed in Africa, as she had requested before passing away.