Nina Simone: Break down and Let it All out - Hardcover

Hampton, Sylvia.; Nathan, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1860745520 ISBN 13: 9781860745522

Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing Ltd, 2004

Synopsis

A definitive portrait of the great jazz singer, songwriter, and musician chronicles the extraordinary life and career of Nina Simone, from her early training as a classical pianist to the heights of her lengthy international career, in a personal tribute to "The High Priestess of Soul."

About this title

From the Author

Dr. Nina Simone a true legend, died April 20th, 2003. With her death the world lost a pure musical genius, and so much more. "Break Down And Let It All Out" is a personal tribute to a woman who not only gave us the gift of song, but shared the trials and tribulations of her life with us. Within the pages of this book, I have endeavoured to let people share the experience of who Nina Simone was. A truly complex woman, one who had experienced first hand the effects of rascism, who refused to compromise when it came to her God given talen as both a musician and singer, and yes the volatile side of her life that often saw headlines descrbing her as everything from "eccentric" to "downright crazy". You will discover within these pages the story of a woman often carrying heavy burdens, but never giving up or giving in. A mother, activist and unique human being, Nina Simone travelled the Globe, carrying a message that is as poignant today, as when she first began almost 40 years ago. Her musical repertoire spanned the generations, and ran the gamut from the fiery "Mississippi Goddam" to "My Baby Just Cares For Me". With exclusive photographs, and interviews from those closest to her, including her daughter Lisa Simone, the reader will be given the opportunity to see the woman behind the public facade. Although infamous for her explosive outbursts, you will discover through the pages, a woman with a joyous sense of humour and a love of life. It was my blessing to know Nina Simone for almost 40 years, and it is this blessing that I share with you the reader, so that you may get to know the very "real" woman behind the music.

About the Author

To her latest work - NINA SIMONE: Break Down And Let It All Out, published by Sanctuary books in May 2004 - author and doctor of metaphysics, Dr. Sylvia Hampton, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. Born in London, Sylvia first developed an interest in music growing up and hearing the extensice collection of R&B records owned by her brother David. Together with David, the first official Nina Simone Appreciation Society was formed, and in the early 70's, Sylvia took over the running of the Society. It was her ongoing friendship with the renowned performer that formed the basis for her work on Break Down and Let It All Out. Her working life began in the early 60's at Britain's first record store Soul City, dedicated to American black music. Sylvia worked for several music stores before joining the staff at Contempo International, a company again specialising in American black music, as well as the music publication Blues & Soul. Sylvia began developing her skills as a writer with Blues & Soul, interviewing many celebrities over the years, including such famed artists as Doris "Just One Look" Troy, Millie Jackson, Johnny Nash, Sly & the Familystone and P.P. Arnold, and of course Nina Simone. In the early 90's Sylvia moved to the U.S. initially working with Paramount Studios, she went on to work at Sony, MGM, and Disney during which time she worked with film producer/director Michael Bay famous for such hits as "The Rock" and "Bad Boys". Sylvia's longtime interest in spirituality and metaphysics would see her complete her Doctorate, Masters and Bachelors degrees in metaphysics. In addition she began working as an outreach volunteer for the Minority Aids Project and for recording artist Dr. Mable John at her Joy Community Outreach program. It was Sylvia's stellar work with this organisation that led to her receiving an award and commendation from former U.S. President Clinton, then-California Governor!
Gray Davis, and several African-American U.S. Senators and politicians. In 2000 Sylvia self-published an inspiring book of affirmations entitled "It Only Takes A Thought" which through her network of celebrities is owned by Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin and many others, including Dr. Nina Simone. Sylvia returned to the U.K. a couple of years ago, and divides her time between the U.K. and U.S. and following the passing of Nina Simone in April 2003, has begun working as the U.K. representative of the Nina Simone Foundation, a charity initially founded by Nina, but now being run by her daughter Lisa Simone. Witht a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2004, the Nina Simone Cultural Village in Africa, has begun, which will nclude a museum to the late performer. The Foundation will oversee the education and teaching of children of African decent but will be a cultural home for people's of all nationalities, and will also assist in the creative and musical training of generations to come. As well as her work with the Foundation, Sylvia is currently seeking a publishing deal for her latest work, "The Reactive World" a metaphysical book of life instructions and guidance. Following the publication of Nina Simone- Break Down And Let It All Out Sylvia remarked "I feel blessed to have been able to honour such and amazing spirit and lifelog friend, one who I will miss deeply." No doubt Sylvia's committment to other's will continue through her writing and her charitable endeavours.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1860745520
• ISBN 13: 9781860745522
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 360