Nina Simone didn’t get into the music industry because she dreamed of being in the spotlight and making millions. For her, it was a necessity since her family needed the money.

Nina Simone

She began by playing piano in nightclubs before eventually getting spotted and offered a contract deal, which helped her to become a household name. During her career, she recorded over 30 studio and live albums. She had a talent for being able to “belt barroom blues, croon cabaret, and explore jazz.”