New Nina Simone Biography Explores Her Art and Activism

A new book about Nina Simone is set to be published next year. Salamishah Tillet’s Nina Simone and the World She Made explores the singer’s personal and political journey. The project follows a recent conversation between Tillet and pianist Lara Downes, held in Simone’s restored childhood home in Tryon, North Carolina. Nina Simone was born in 1933 in a small, three-room clapboard house. The 650-square-foot home, now lovingly restored by its owners and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, sits near the church where she first played piano. Her mother, Mary Kate Waymon, a Black preacher, took her to tent revivals, where she learned gospel music and improvisation.

A turning point in her life came when she was rejected by the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. This disappointment pushed her toward a career in popular music. Her 1960s albums captured the energy and precision of her live performances.

Simone’s music, including songs like I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free, carried the power to shift perspectives and inspire deep conviction. Pianist Lara Downes is now gathering conversations with scholars to trace American history through its songs. The preserved childhood home stands as a link between art and history. Tillet’s forthcoming book will delve into Simone’s awakening as both an artist and an activist. The site and the upcoming work highlight her enduring influence on music and culture.