"Nina Simone Sings the Blues" is the 23rd studio album by American musician Nina Simone. Released in 1967, this was her first album for RCA Records. Different from her previous works which were orchestral, this album is characterized by a profound bluesy sound supported by a rhythm section of guitar, piano, bass, drums and harmonica.
The album delves into the world of blues and R&B, with Simone incorporating her voice as an instrument into the musical mix. Highlights of the album include her cover of Bessie Smith's "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" and her own composition "Backlash Blues," in which she retaliates against racism, sexism, and war. It also includes other notable tracks like "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl" and "Do I Move You".
As illustrative of her eclectic style, the album combines Simone's classical background, gospel influences, and love for jazz & blues, creating a gritty, honest, and intensely emotional piece of work that pulls at the heartstrings. Simone, with her unique voice and compositions, added further depth and meaning to the genre, making it a significant album in her career and in the history of blues music. The social and political commentary in her songs positioned her as both an artist and a civil rights activist in the landscape of American music.
