Simone: Embracing my Legacy was a process, trust me. I quit wrestling with it a few years before Mommy passed, so the decision to carry it on was an easy one. No, I was not reluctant to become a singer. Singing has been an activity I've done my whole life, without thought. When I actually thought about doing it for a living, it was more like a revelation.
BWW: Are there any songs you would have liked to hear her sing?
Simone: No.
BWW: Is this concert at Town hall intended to be a re-creation, or more of a tribute?
Simone: A tribute. April 21st is the 3rd anniversary of Mom's ascension as well as my official return to the stage after fighting what has been a lengthy probate process.
BWW: What inspired you to do this concert?
Simone: A phone call from Town Hall.
BWW: What songs in the concert are you most excited about performing?
Simone: Black is the Color
BWW: Are there any that are difficult for you emotionally?
Simone: Not specifically. Every day has its emotional difficulties. I miss my mother whether I'm singing her music or not.
BWW: Your mother was, and remains, a powerful and opinionated figure. Is there anything surprising about her that you'd like the public to know?
Simone: Yes. She died not knowing how much she was loved by fans around the world.
BWW: Apart from your mother, who has influenced your singing?
Simone: Aretha Franklin, Sergio Mendez, Rufus, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Bette Midler, The Doobie Brothers, The Commodores, Cat Stevens, Quincy Jones and the list goes on...
BWW: What current performers excite you?
Simone: John Legend, Missy Elliott, Siedeh Garrett, and Prince.
BWW: Have you inherited any of Ninas' activist leanings?
Simone: Yes, I have.
BWW: Do play any instruments? Do you write songs?
Simone: I play piano, by ear. Yes, I write songs... and good ones, too!!
BWW: You've had a varied career, backing international vocalists, performing in shows like Rent and Aida on tour and on Broadway, singing with an acid-jazz band, and now concert performance. Are there new things you want to try? Things you would like to revisit?
Simone: I look forward to doing my own show, not someone else's. That's always been my dream.
BWW: Thank you for taking the time to talk to BroadwayWorld.Com. I look forward to seeing you April 21st at Town Hall, and to your future projects.
Simone: You're welcome. See you at Town Hall.
Photos: Top and Bottom: Simone
Middle: Nina Simone and daughter.
