Nina Simone

Los Angeles, CA. July 10, 1986: Jazz singer, pianist, musician, and legend Simone, relaxing at home in a very private guarded moment. oscarcwilliams/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Eunice Kathleen Waymon

Date of Birth: February 21, 1933

Place of Birth: Tryon, Polk, North Carolina, U.S.

Date of Death: 21 April, 2003

Place of Death: Carry-le-Rouet, Bouches-du-Rhône, France

Ethnicity: African-American

Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and arranger. She was known as The High Priestess of Soul. Nina was an activist in the Civil Rights Movement.

Nina was the daughter of The Rev. Mary Kate (Irvin) Waymon, a housemaid, and The Rev. John/Johnie Devan Waymon, a handyman and dry cleaning business owner. Her parents were both African-American, and were ministers. Her father was born in Pendleton, Anderson County, South Carolina. Her mother was born in Fairfield County, South Carolina. Nina had a daughter, singer and actress Simone (Lisa Simone Waymon Stroud), with her former husband, police detective Andrew Stroud.

Nina was sometimes stated to have had Irish and/or Native American ancestry. It is not clear if these claims have been verified/documented.

Nina’s paternal grandfather was Robert Wayne/Wayde Waymon (the son of Joseph Waymon and Julia Ligon). Robert was born in North Carolina.

Nina’s paternal grandmother was named Lucinda Green. Lucinda was born in South Carolina.

Nina’s maternal grandfather was William Irvin (the son of William Irvin and Sarah Lovett).

Nina’s maternal grandmother was named Nannie.

Sources: Genealogies of Nina Simone – http://www.geni.com
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