#88 of 100
· Apple Music
“Nina Simone at #88 feels slightly modest for a record this transformative, though I get why Apple might've spread the jazz legends across their list. This 1965 session is pure needle drop magic—her voice cuts through those lush arrangements like nobody else could, and the title track's hypnotic arrangement became a standard for good reason. The deep cuts reward repeated listening, especially "Ne Me Quitte Pas," which showcases her classical training alongside her raw emotional power. It's the kind of wax that belongs in every collection, ranking or not.”
Nina Simone (1933-2003) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist whose classical training and virtuosic keyboard skills defined her distinctive artistic voice. Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in North Carolina, she initially pursued classical piano performance before transitioning to jazz, blues, and soul. Her career spanned five decades, during which she became one of the most influential and politically engaged artists of the 20th century. Key albums include 'I Put a Spell on You' (1965), 'Wild Is the Wind' (1966), and 'To Love Somebody' (1969). Simone's interpretations of jazz standards, combined with her own compositions and covers of pop songs, created a sophisticated yet emotionally powerful sound. She was also a prominent civil rights activist, using her music to address racial inequality and social injustice throughout the 1960s.
Style
Simone's style synthesized jazz, blues, classical, and soul, characterized by her commanding alto voice, intricate piano arrangements, and emotional intensity. Her music ranged from upbeat jazz-pop numbers to deeply introspective ballads, all delivered with remarkable vocal control and dramatic flair.
Significance
Nina Simone's extensive discography and artistic consistency make her recordings highly sought by vinyl collectors, particularly her 1960s output. Her influence on jazz, soul, and protest music is immeasurable, and her recordings represent essential documents of both musical artistry and the civil rights era.
Nina Simone recorded "I Put a Spell on You" in 1965 during a creatively fertile period at Philips Records. The album features her interpretive approach to the title track, originally written and recorded by Screamin' Jay Hawkins in 1956. Simone transforms the song from its original rhythm-and-blues rawness into something more sophisticated and theatrical, matching her dramatic vocal delivery with lush orchestral arrangements. The album showcases Simone's range across standards and contemporary material, with pianist Simone accompanied by strings and subtle jazz instrumentation. Her interpretation became iconic, cementing the song as part of her signature repertoire and demonstrating her ability to reimagine material through her classical training and unique artistic sensibility.
Historical Context
Released in 1965, the album arrived during a pivotal moment when Simone was increasingly engaging with social and political themes, though this particular collection leans toward romantic and theatrical material. The mid-1960s saw Simone at peak popularity in both jazz and mainstream audiences, with her sophisticated style resonating during a period when soul music and standards were converging. "I Put a Spell on You" became one of her most recognizable recordings, influencing countless artists and becoming a staple of popular culture. The song's dramatic arrangement and Simone's commanding interpretation made it suitable for film and television, expanding her cultural footprint beyond the jazz world.
Pressing Notes
Early Philips Records pressings from 1965-1966 are the most sought-after by collectors, featuring original gatefold artwork and mono or early stereo versions. The album has been reissued multiple times on both vinyl and CD formats by various labels including Philips, Mercury, and Craft Recordings. Collectors should seek original Philips pressings for the best sound quality and historical authenticity. Later reissues vary in pressing quality; audiophile-grade reissues on 45 RPM or 180-gram vinyl offer superior sound but at premium prices. The album's enduring popularity means copies are relatively available in the used market, though prices vary significantly based on condition and pressing origin.
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