Watch Nina Simone: What Happened Miss Simone?

Nina Simone: What Happened, Miss Simone? is a documentary film that explores the life and career of the legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist, Nina Simone. Directed by Liz Garbus, the film features rare archival footage, as well as interviews with Simone's family, friends, and colleagues. The film begins with Simone's childhood in segregated North Carolina, where she began playing piano at a young age. She was a prodigious talent and as she grew older, started performing in clubs and bars. However, her parents were not supportive of her musical aspirations, and Simone was forced to leave home to pursue her career.

Over the years, Simone's musical style evolved, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and classical music. She became known for her powerful voice, distinctive phrasing, and the intensity of her performances. Her songs were deeply personal and often reflected her political beliefs, as well as the struggles of the civil rights movement.

The film delves into Simone's personal life as well, including her relationships, marriage, and struggles with mental illness. She was plagued by bipolar disorder and suffered from periods of depression and mania throughout her life. These challenges were exacerbated by the racism and discrimination she faced as a black woman in the music industry.

Despite these obstacles, Simone continued to make music and tour around the world. The film features rare footage of her performances, including her iconic performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1976.

As her career progressed, Simone became increasingly politically active. She advocated for civil rights, women's rights, and anti-war activism. She wrote and performed powerful protest songs, including "Mississippi Goddam" and "Four Women," which addressed issues of racism and inequality.

The film also examines Simone's relationship with her daughter, Lisa. Simone was a complicated and demanding mother, often struggling to balance her career and personal life. Lisa speaks candidly in the film about her difficult upbringing and the impact it had on her own life.

Nina Simone: What Happened, Miss Simone? is a powerful and moving portrait of one of the most talented and influential musicians of the 20th century. The film does not shy away from Simone's personal struggles, but also celebrates her incredible musical legacy and the impact she had on countless artists who came after her.

Throughout the film, Simone's music takes center stage, providing a soundtrack to her life and illustrating the depth and complexity of her artistry. The film is a must-see for any fan of Nina Simone's music, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of music and politics during the civil rights era.

Nina Simone: What Happened Miss Simone? is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 102 hours.