Nina Simone
Young, Gifted and Black48 total reviews
Comment from karenina
It's yet another sign of your talent that you brought Nina Simone to life through this bio-poem.
I came to care about her, even though I'd only heard of her name and was unfamiliar with her. (I'm not sure why I have this gap in my memory!)
She's a woman of outstanding talent both on piano and in song. Her early recognition of the injustice dealt her parents as well as her inner moral compass that told her twelve-year-old self to stand up and demand equality paved the way for a life filled with a passion to fight the battle for civil rights.
I read this last night but waited until I'd listened to a long series of her songs. (Thank you for introducing me to such rare talent!)
Speaking of rare talent. You've got it, Debbie!
Karenina
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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It's yet another sign of your talent that you brought Nina Simone to life through this bio-poem.
I came to care about her, even though I'd only heard of her name and was unfamiliar with her. (I'm not sure why I have this gap in my memory!)
She's a woman of outstanding talent both on piano and in song. Her early recognition of the injustice dealt her parents as well as her inner moral compass that told her twelve-year-old self to stand up and demand equality paved the way for a life filled with a passion to fight the battle for civil rights.
I read this last night but waited until I'd listened to a long series of her songs. (Thank you for introducing me to such rare talent!)
Speaking of rare talent. You've got it, Debbie!
Karenina
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Karenina, for this extra kind review and your well considered comments! As well as being an exceptional musician, she also had the ability from a young age to speak up for herself and her family. And that combination set her on a path of activism which, in the end, became her primary focus. Thank you again for your wonderful support. Take care Debbie
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It's my honor!
Comment from Mintybee
Another informative and interesting biographical poem. I'm getting a real cultural education by reading your poems! And listening to the accompanying videos! I enjoy reading these. Keep them coming!
Mintybee
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Another informative and interesting biographical poem. I'm getting a real cultural education by reading your poems! And listening to the accompanying videos! I enjoy reading these. Keep them coming!
Mintybee
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Mintybee, for your lovely, supportive review! It means a lot that you enjoy and learn from this post. Take care Debbie
Comment from GoWiSt
I like Nina Simone's music. I think she has a cool, powerful voice.
Good reading flow and aabb rhyme scheme to the quatrains.
Interesting that she learned to play the piano by ear and that she stood up for her parents.
So sad that mental illness later got her. She is a cherished gift to the music arts.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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I like Nina Simone's music. I think she has a cool, powerful voice.
Good reading flow and aabb rhyme scheme to the quatrains.
Interesting that she learned to play the piano by ear and that she stood up for her parents.
So sad that mental illness later got her. She is a cherished gift to the music arts.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much for your kind and supportive review which I greatly appreciate! Take care Debbie
Comment from Jim Wile
This is another wonderful entry in your collection of biographical poems, Debbie. I wasn't familiar with Nina Simone before, but I'm happy to have learned about her. She sounds like a wonderful talent, and it's a shame her path to success and acceptance was such a difficult one due to the conditions of the time.
She didn't give up, though, but changed directions as successful people often do when faced with adversity. This was a well written and inspiring story of a unique individual.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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This is another wonderful entry in your collection of biographical poems, Debbie. I wasn't familiar with Nina Simone before, but I'm happy to have learned about her. She sounds like a wonderful talent, and it's a shame her path to success and acceptance was such a difficult one due to the conditions of the time.
She didn't give up, though, but changed directions as successful people often do when faced with adversity. This was a well written and inspiring story of a unique individual.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Jim! I'm delighted and encouraged by your lovely words. Take care Debbie
Comment from CrystieCookie999
I liked reading this poem. It was very educational. How clever to incorporate Nina Simone's songs into the poem text. I pulled up another video and kept thinking, who does she remind me of? But here are the lines that indicate who she might have listened to most:
Inspired by Billie Holiday* she spun her special style,
And then I knew who it was, ha ha.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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I liked reading this poem. It was very educational. How clever to incorporate Nina Simone's songs into the poem text. I pulled up another video and kept thinking, who does she remind me of? But here are the lines that indicate who she might have listened to most:
Inspired by Billie Holiday* she spun her special style,
And then I knew who it was, ha ha.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm delighted you enjoyed the verse and recognised the singer. That means a lot to me. Take care Debbie
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Aha, well, I recognized Billie Holiday, anyway.
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
You did an excellent job with this biography. I am not as much familiar with her as with some others. My uncle was a concert pianist who was often an accompanist for Marian Anderson. He told us some interesting tales when I was young.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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You did an excellent job with this biography. I am not as much familiar with her as with some others. My uncle was a concert pianist who was often an accompanist for Marian Anderson. He told us some interesting tales when I was young.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Verna, for your kind and supportive review! She was truly a genius on the piano and would have become the first African American professional concert pianist had she been allowed. Take care Debbie
Comment from Brenda Strauser
I enjoyed this poem. It was so interesting and informative. It is well written. The 60's was a hard time for black people. The videos added a nice touch. Great job.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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I enjoyed this poem. It was so interesting and informative. It is well written. The 60's was a hard time for black people. The videos added a nice touch. Great job.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Brenda, for this kind review, greatly appreciated! Take care Debbie
Comment from jmdg1954
As is customary... I'm in awe of your ability to make these posts interesting and easy to read and understand!
I have heard Nina Simone but knew nothing about her, until now! An incredible talent and human being.
Thank you for bringing her forward for all of us.
Enjoy your Monday!
John
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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As is customary... I'm in awe of your ability to make these posts interesting and easy to read and understand!
I have heard Nina Simone but knew nothing about her, until now! An incredible talent and human being.
Thank you for bringing her forward for all of us.
Enjoy your Monday!
John
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Aww you're very kind and thank you so much, John! As ever, I'm delighted by your lovely words and the fact that you found her life interesting and informative even though you're not familiar with her. I appreciate that immensely. Take care Debbie
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
My goodness, her actions at age 12 speaks volumes about who this woman was. And a woman at age 12, as she was obviously very mature for her age and understood right and wrong (having preachers tuck you in at night probably had much to do with that).
The late 60s was a time of much conflict and change in this country. Julliard - impressive!
I never had to fight for every single thing I wanted like Nina and other Black people did. But it inspired her and influenced her music, so who knows who Nina Simone would have been without the struggle. Like so many artists, it made her a better person and a greater force for good through her craft.
She battled racism, mental illness, and cancer and still became an "extraordinary artist of the 20th century". Here's the sad part, I've never heard of her before.
You continue to find extraordinary artists for us to listen to, read, watch, and learn from. I enjoy all of your bios, but the last two have shined with your own personal passion and admiration for the women you've written about.
Thank you so much for finding these "voices", researching them, and presenting them to us in a way that only you can.
I always look forward to Sundays, as it is Debbie D'Arcy's day to shine:-)
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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My goodness, her actions at age 12 speaks volumes about who this woman was. And a woman at age 12, as she was obviously very mature for her age and understood right and wrong (having preachers tuck you in at night probably had much to do with that).
The late 60s was a time of much conflict and change in this country. Julliard - impressive!
I never had to fight for every single thing I wanted like Nina and other Black people did. But it inspired her and influenced her music, so who knows who Nina Simone would have been without the struggle. Like so many artists, it made her a better person and a greater force for good through her craft.
She battled racism, mental illness, and cancer and still became an "extraordinary artist of the 20th century". Here's the sad part, I've never heard of her before.
You continue to find extraordinary artists for us to listen to, read, watch, and learn from. I enjoy all of your bios, but the last two have shined with your own personal passion and admiration for the women you've written about.
Thank you so much for finding these "voices", researching them, and presenting them to us in a way that only you can.
I always look forward to Sundays, as it is Debbie D'Arcy's day to shine:-)
xo
Pam
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Dear Pam, thank you so much for this exceptional review which I treasure! To be honest, each time I do these, and Nina in particular, I swear I'll give it all a rest and do a haiku next time! But your wonderful words of support give me new incentive. I don't know why I found her a nightmare. There were aspects about her that were quite off-putting: she was precocious as a child, bitter (and not simply angry as Maya advised), aggressive to the point of actually shooting someone (and missing). volatile and a diva. But, put into context of the times, her immense talent and spirit, her huge disappointment and her mental illness, she was, indeed, an extraordinary woman who, in the end, devoted her life to fighting for equal rights. Her voice is truly unique and incredible and I just love her playful intro on the piano (clearly an extension of herself) of Aint Got Life. Thank you so much for your kind support. Debbie xo
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Are you a musician? You seem drawn to them, and clearly know how to write their stories.
Take a break and write a Haiku, then get back to work, lol!
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Haha! Sadly not a musician. But the more you delve into their song lyrics the more you understand about the age and the singer (a bit obvious but still).
Comment from bob cullen
You are good and your poetry is better than amazing. I so admire your skill at fitting so many song titles into your work. It is either genius or genius's first cousin. You, Debbie, are one very gifted writer. Every piece of work I read leaves me feeling good. Thank you for improving this Aussie's night.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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You are good and your poetry is better than amazing. I so admire your skill at fitting so many song titles into your work. It is either genius or genius's first cousin. You, Debbie, are one very gifted writer. Every piece of work I read leaves me feeling good. Thank you for improving this Aussie's night.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Bob, thank you so much for this! Your lovely words of support and kindness are deeply appreciated and make my day! Take care Debbie
