Nina Simone

Tomorrow is the fourth anniversary of Nina Simone's death.

From Wikipedia:

Eunice Kathleen Waymon, better known as Nina Simone (February 21, 1933 - April 21, 2003), was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist.

Although she disliked being categorized, Simone is generally classified as a jazz musician. Her work covers an eclectic variety of musical styles, such as jazz, soul, folk, R&B, gospel, and even pop music. Her vocal style is characterized by passion, breathiness, and tremolo. Simone recorded over 40 live and studio albums, the biggest body of her work being released between 1958 (when she made her debut with Little Girl Blue) and 1974. Songs she is best known for include My Baby Just Cares for Me, I Put A Spell On You, I Loves You Porgy, Feeling Good, Sinnerman and Ain't got no-I got life.

Here she is performing I Loves You Porgy:

And here is some nice documentary footage:

The official Nina Simone website is here.  [Thanks to Husain Naqvi.]