Nina Simone
Source: Black Past
Although Nina Simone passed away the year I was born, that hasn’t stopped her music from influencing my music journey through the years. Nina’s voice is nothing less than unique, and her rendition of Feeling Good has always been my favorite. I also have a lower voice, which is often something people think about when they think of Nina. Having her voice as an example of a female artist who was very successful in an industry where higher female voices are praised more often was instrumental in my confidence. Nina also was an advocate for the Civil Rights Movement in the earlier years of her career. She became known as the "Singer of the Black Revolution," performing at rallies and participating in protests. Many of the songs she released during that time period were politically motivated, and she continued to financially support the movement as well.
Bonnie Raitt
Source: San Diego Tribune
Doing two Bonnie Raitt songs in Jazz/Rock this term got me thinking about her as an artist. I always knew who she was but I just listened to her music. While Nina Simone has had a heavier influence on the type of music I listen to and my confidence, Bonnie Raitt has been more of an influence on my technique and singing style. Her rendition of Angel From Montgomery has a soothing ability like I have never seen. Singing Something to Talk About was an incredible experience, and it's not as easy of a song as Bonnie makes it look. The effortlessness with which she performs and sings songs is something every singer envies. In 2016, she released her newest album, Dig in Deep, at 66 years old. Part of what makes Raitt so unique is her ability to sing so many different genres of music. She often gets asked why she wouldn't do a whole album of jazz, or a whole blues album. In response to this question, Raitt explains she would love to do an album of each but "would be too bored on the road just promoting that."