Wisdom & Fire: 10 Powerful Nina Simone Quotes To Live By

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It girl. Icon. Legend.

Nina Simone was a luminary who continues to shape the world and new artists to this day. But before she became the High Priestess of Soul, Simone was Eunice Waymon, a girl from North Carolina, born 93 years ago on February 21st, with an undeniable gift for the piano and classical music.

Ultimately, her path led her to soul and jazz, where she went on to create American classics like Feeling Good, Sinnerman, and I Put a Spell on You, to name a few. For more than three decades, Simone shared her vision and music with the world. In addition to being a unique talent, she was also an activist who spoke out about Black liberation and empowerment.

Although the songstress passed 22 years today on April 21, 2023, her words continue to live on. Here are 10 quotes by Nina Simone that are just as legendary as her deep and mesmerizing voice, that are sure to bring strength and peace to your soul.

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1. “I’ll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. I mean, really, no fear!”

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Simone reminds us that freedom can present itself in many different ways and that true liberation will always feel like peace.

2. “I’m not a blues singer, I’m a diva.”

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Period. Sometimes, being a diva is the only way to get things done, and we can’t be mad at that.

3. “You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.”

Nina Simone Plays The Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, RI

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This is actually a lyric from Nina Simone’s song, You’ve Got To Learn, which debuted in 1965. This lyric is a reminder that love, much like nourishment, is something you deserve, and when someone’s son is no longer offering this bare minimum requirement, it’s a strong sign to go.

4. “To me, we are the most beautiful creatures in the whole world. Black people. And I mean that in every sense.”

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Black is and has always been beautiful. Full stop. Although the world may try to undermine that fact sometimes, Simone always made a point to bring us back.

5. “I want to shake people up so bad that when they leave a nightclub where I’ve performed, I just want them to be to pieces.”

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When a woman knows her impact, there is truly nothing stopping her. Not only is this an example of Simone acknowledging her talent, but it also highlights her confidence. Imposter syndrome where?

6. “When I’m on that stage, I assume honor. I assume compensation, and I should.”

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Simone made a career of standing in her power and held that truth almost to the point of reverence. This can often be hard, but Simone shows us that it’s worth it.

7. “I had spent many years pursuing excellence because that is what classical music is all about… Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.”

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Simone began playing classical music at three but eventually shifted to blues and activism. She proved that changing your dreams is part of life and eventually puts you on the right path.

8. “What I was interested in was conveying an emotional message, which means using everything you’ve got inside you sometimes to barely make a note, or if you have to strain to sing, you sing.”

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Simone’s words encourage us to put our all into our passions. She proves that bringing raw emotion into your goals can help you leave a lasting legacy.

9. “I have to be composed; I have to be poised. I have to remember what my first piano teacher told me: ‘You do not touch that piano until you are ready and until they are ready to listen to you.”

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Being prepared is a great way to kill anxiety and let people know you care about what you do. So, take life at your own pace and ensure you have the tools to do so.

10. “I didn’t get interested in music. It was a gift from God.”

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No matter what you believe, we can all relate to what it feels to be divinely linked to our talent or passion. Not only does Simone express that, but she also acknowledges that her abilities are precious.

If you feel inspired by Nina Simone’s words, her music will ignite your soul. Because of her timeless artistry and spirit, her words continue to resonate to this day. So, if these quotes touched your heart, let us know which ones are your favorite in the comments!

Nina Simone: 10 Powerful Quotes To Live By