I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about... Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.
Nina SimoneWhen I was studying... there weren't any black concert pianists. My choices were intuitive, and I had the technique to do it. People have heard my music and heard the classic in it, so I have become known as a black classical pianist.
Nina SimoneI demand perfection in what I do, and I practice very hard before I give a concert-sometimes three to six hours a day.
Nina Simone