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Saluting a few legends
Other | Wednesday 13th November 2013 | Lateesha
Saluting a few legends.
There are many artists throughout all generations that have made an impact on the music scene and have shaped the way music is today; either by being a huge influence to current artists who want to mirror their legends sound, or having one of the best selling albums of all times.
It's always a sad event when a much loved artist passes away, especially when it is at a young age or, when they have been around for decades gaining such a loyal, loving fan base. This article will celebrate the lives of some female artists that have been successful in their careers, influenced many and are nothing less than absolute legends of the industry. You go girls!
Nina Simone
With an active musical career from 1954 until her death in 2003 (an amazing 49 years!), our first legend has influenced many artists from all kinds of genres and musical walks of life such as; Christina Aguilera, Mos Def, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and even John Lennon said Nina's rendition of I put a spell on you inspired The Beatles song Michelle. Her work has been covered by an array of artists including Muse's indie-rock version of Feeling good which was well received, and Timbaland putting his familiar bass and beats over Sinnerman as the intro for his album Shock value.
For a woman who is so widely credited in the industry, it is surprising to learn that with dreams of becoming a concert pianist at the beginning of her career, Nina Simone was turned down for a scholarship at the Curtis institute of music in Philadephia. This decision was not because of her musical ability, but the soon to be megastar was discriminated against because she was black. However, this did not get in the way of her dreams and Iike any absolute legend would, she carried on fighting until she got the colourful music career and a supportive fan base spanning through generations.
Nina recorded more than 40 albums over her career and her music has been featured in many film soundtracks including The Big Lebowski, Notting Hill and Sex and the City. But our Nina wasn't just a singer/songwriter/pianist and arranger, she was also a civil rights activist and her music was highly influencial in the fight for equal rights in America in the early 1960s. Our multi talented first legend won a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 2000 for her contribution to the industry and throughout her career, Nina was nominated for a staggering 15 Grammy awards. She was given two honorary degrees in music from colleges she never even attended, and even the Curtis institute of music in Philadelphia realised their mistake rejecting her decades ago and also awarded her with one.
There is a statue of this amazing woman in her birthplace, North Carolina and in 2009 she was entered into the music hall of fame. This woman is so great that Nijmegen in the Netherlands, where she lived from 1988-1990 named a street after her. A documentary made by French filmmakers titled La Legend (The legend) made in 1990 features live footage at different times in her career.
