Written by | Ray Cornelius
Congratulations to the late music icon Dr. Nina Simone. She will be inducted into the prestigious “Class of 2018” for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The big news was released this week.
Dr. Simone is by far one of the most influential music artists of all time. She began her career as child prodigy in Tryon, NC and trained professionally to become a classic pianist. She later segued into jazz and folk music genres before making her mark as the voice of the iconic Civil Rights Movement.
“You can’t help it. An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times,” is one of her most famous quotes.
Her soul-stirring tunes like “Young, Gifted and Black,” “I Wish I Knew (How It Feels To Be Free),” “Mississippi Goddam,” “Four Women” and “Why? The King of Love Is Dead,” were anthems of the turbulent 60s. The heart-wrenching lyrics left an indelible mark on the minds of those who stood boldly on the front lines of social justice and equality. In other words, SHE WAS WOKE! Her influence is easily seen in an array of iconic artists over the decades from The Beatles to Patti LaBelle to Elton John to Mary J. Blige to Beyoncé .
Joining Dr. Simone in the “Performance Category” are Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits and The Moody Blues.” The Award for Early Influence” goes to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, will take place on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Cleveland. Ticket on-sale dates will be announced in January.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Induction Ceremony will again have its television premiere on HBO and a radio broadcast on SiriusXM. Broadcast details will be announced in early 2018.
Check out one of my favorite classics from Dr. Nina Simone below:
Photo Credits: NinaSimone.com
