In a short interview filmed for the BBC in the 1990s, Nina Simone spoke plainly and directly about her life and work.
At times, it’s funny. At others, uncomfortable.
But throughout, you get the sense she’s telling the truth as she sees it — with no filter.
Here are six things that stood out—followed by the full interview video at the end.
1. She used music as a form of protest — with purpose
When asked about the political nature of her music, Simone was clear:
“I don’t sing from anger. I sing from intelligence.”
She didn’t just write songs to express emotion — she used them to say something deliberate.
Tracks like Mississippi Goddam and To Be Young, Gifted and Black weren’t just personal statements, they were responses to what was happening in the world around her.
2. She believed the music industry had taken a lot from her
Despite having more than 60 albums to her name, Nina Simone felt she hadn’t been fairly paid for most of them.
She recalled a story of confronting a record label executive in Switzerland who refused to pay her what she was owed.
“They said, ‘You’re not getting your money.’ So I got a gun and followed him into a restaurant.”
Whether told for impact or not, this anecdote points to years of frustration and mistrust — and how powerless she often felt, even at the height of her career.
3. She was turned away from classical music — and it stayed with her
Before becoming known as a jazz and soul singer, Simone had ambitions of being a classical pianist.
She applied to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia but was rejected. She later suspected race played a part.
“They went to the Curtis Institute and asked about me. I was rejected for a scholarship.”
She didn’t dwell on it, but you can sense it still mattered to her, decades later.
4. She was proud to stand up for what she believed in — but it came at a cost
Simone spoke about her connection with Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. But she also talked about how that kind of role can take its toll.
She admired King’s commitment but noted that he always seemed to be “on stage.”
There’s an unspoken sense that being seen as a symbol — even for the right reasons — can be exhausting.
5. She was open to love — but music always came first
In a more personal moment, Simone admitted she would have liked to be married again.
“I would love to be married… but nothing takes the place of my music.”
For someone whose life was often defined by her work, it’s a line that makes sense. But it also hints at a kind of loneliness behind the scenes.
6. She still had a sense of humour — even when talking about difficult things
Despite the heavy subjects, the interview isn’t without warmth. She jokes about marrying the BBC cameraman. She flirts. She laughs.
And at one point, she makes it clear how she sees herself:
“I’m not a blues singer. I’m a classical pianist. That’s what I am.”
It’s not said for effect — just stated simply.
And it’s a reminder that, even with everything she experienced, Simone never lost sight of who she was.
🎬 Watch the Nina Simone Interview
You can watch the full Nina Simone interview via the BBC’s official YouTube channel below.
It’s around 8 minutes long and—in our opinion—well worth the time!
Looking for more? Check out our round up of her life in 11 legendary Nina Simone songs.