Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Atlanta’s only jazz station, 91.9 WCLK hosted an advanced screening of the Jeff Lieberman documentary, The Amazing Nina Simone, Wednesday night at the historic Plaza Theatre in Midtown. The private event was a fundraiser for the NPR station and was hosted by WCLK personality Debb Moore of Jazz at Sundown and the Sunday Jazz Suite. The evening was also attended by WCLK’s General Manager Wendy Williams and radio personalities—RivaBlue, Kiplyn Primus and Mark Angel. 
WCLK’s GM Wendy Williams with CAU President Dr. Ronald Johnson and wife
Other notables spotted in the audience included Clark Atlanta University President Dr. Ronald Johnson and his wife along with former President Dr. Carlton E. Brown and his wife. Media personality JaQuitta Williams was also in attendance along with celebrity blogger Karma Jonez. Actress Crystal Fox from Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots made a special appearance. She is actually the niece of the late Nina Simone.
Crystal Fox with Jaquitta Williams and friend
The Amazing Nina Simone chronicles the singer’s journey from the segregated South, through the worlds of classical music, jazz joints & international concert halls. Navigating through the twists & turns of the 1960’s fight for racial equality, the film delves deep into Nina’s artistry and intentions, answering long-held questions behind Ninaʼs most beloved songs, bold style, controversial statements, and the reason she left America.
Wendy Williams with WCLK Board Member Harold Watkins
I must say Jeff Lieberman did an outstanding job with this project. The film really gives fans of Simone an in-depth look into her personal life as a mother, wife, lover, civil rights icon and musical artist. It also spotlights her battle with bipolar disorder and how it devastated her marriage and ultimately her career. This is truly a must see for all lovers of Simone and great jazz music. The Amazing Nina Simone plays at the Plaza Theatre November 6-12. Click here to purchase tickets!
Check out the trailer and more photos below:
WCLK’s Debb Moore and RivaBlue/WCLK’s Kerwin Sims with Linda Brown
Crystal Fox with WCLK’s Juanita Parks
Debb Moore introducing the film
WCLK’s Kiplyn Primus and her mother attending the screening
WCLK’s Mark Angel with WCLK Board President Craig Garrett
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com
