Nina Simone was a cultural icon who used her creativity to attract a worldwide audience and spread a message of social and personal injustice and racial inequality.
Actress and playwright Laiona Michelle, through Ms. Simone’s words and 17 songs, raises the high priestess’ profile in Little Girl Blue, running through February 24th at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Michelle joined WBGO morning host Gary Walker to talk about this seven year project which one could immediately tell had changed her own outlook on the world around her.
Gary and Laiona shared stories of affection and their love of Nina Simone during their chat in the WBGO studios.
Michelle says she’s always been Nina’s biggest fan.
“I love her. I love her spirit, her tenacity, her grace, her confidence, her bravado, her fight, her dignity. I think she’s very necessary.”
Michelle uncovered many triumphs and personal challenges while researching Simone’s life for the Little Girl Blue musical.
Michelle says Nina Simone put a “spell on her.”
More Stories
New release Gary Moore live from Baloise Session – 2025: A lasting tribute to the guitar icon: Video, Photos
New Book 2025: Eternal rhythm: The Don Cherry tapes and travelations. And his music is alive, he tells a story about … Videos, Photos
George Cables vs Marc Copland: 80 years old, and they don’t feel it and After sixty odd years: Videos, Photos