Nina Simone — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Nina Simone.
1933
Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21 in Tryon, North Carolina
1950
Began studying piano at Juilliard School of Music in New York City
1954
Made her first recordings and began performing professionally in Atlantic City
1959
Released debut album 'Little Girl Blue' on Bethlehem Records
1964
Performed 'Mississippi Goddam' at Carnegie Hall, becoming an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement
1965
Released 'I Put a Spell on You,' which became one of her signature songs
1969
Performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, a career-defining performance
1974
Relocated to Barbados due to tax issues and personal struggles
1985
Returned to performing and recording after years of relative obscurity
2003
Died on April 21 in Carry-le-Rouet, France, at age 70