Covers by Nina Simone

Nina Simone is another easy subject, one of the greatest artists and spirits I've ever heard, she was an amazing songwriter in her own right. I will have to focus on that another day. She was known for her masterful and intimate concerts where she would perform her own songs as well as covers from a wide range of artists. Unlike many great artists who do well in their tributes to songs not their own, Nina Simone was always able to create performances that stood separate from and at least on par with the originals.


Leonard Cohen w Judy Collins - Suzanne - video

This is not the original album recording that I am most familiar with, but I found this beautiful duet of the very subdued Leonard Cohen song Suzanne. The lyrics are deep and surreal, and Leonard delivers them in the least obtrusive way possible, the simplest of melodies.

Nina Simone - Suzanne - audio

Her powerful voice cannot be confined to Leonard's original melody, and she adapts each part to her whim, injecting emotion with warbling lilts and breathy staccatos. On top of that, her piano take on the original guitar line is decidedly upbeat while maintaining the intended sadness of it.


The Bee Gees - To Love Somebody - audio

This song is hard to beat. The original showcases the best of the Bee Gees songwriting, arrangement, and harmonies. Probably one of my top 5 songs.

Nina Simone - To Love Somebody - audio

This version finds Nina simply doing the original the justice it is due. The string arrangement is replaced with a Motown-style backing band, but she fills the huge emotional shoes created by Barry Gibb here with her own heartbreak and understanding of love. Seriously, check out her autobiography.


The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun - audio

My mom taught me that Beatles fans will pretty much never like a cover as much as the original. See Stevie Wonder's We Can Work it Out, which I love separately, but she could not find a taste for. Not much to say about the original, as pretty much all Beatles' songs stand on their own.

Nina Simone - Here Comes the Sun - audio

A very simple take, Nina takes on the original with all the beautiful imperfections of her voice. Her piano playing, easy to overlook when she is singing, is through and through it's own composition.


There are more, and I will find time to mention them.