I Put A Spell On You

"Brilliant, gifted, and bitter, Nina Simone offers a heartfelt and humble rendering of her exceptional journey in I Put a Spell On You, in hopes of providing clarity and truth to her often misunderstood life...Much like her music, I Put A Spell On You is compelling, honest, and powerful. It is meticulously packed with historical information on America during some of its ugliest times, coming from the voice of someone who lived through it every day...a voice of a woman who devoted her adult life to changing the face of society. The book also contains fascinating black-and-white images. From a musical standpoint alone, I Put a Spell On You is an extremely valuable read. However, in my opinion, this would also be a unique, relevant, and worthwhile addition to any high-school or collegiate history library, or anyone with an interest in the civil rights movement both politically and artistically. It may present an opportunity to spark an interest in the crucial connection between art and society, while significantly illustrating the need for and role of art during cultural transformations."—Lincoln Center Institute's Resource Center blog

"Offers readers a candid look at the highs and lows of the singer's remarkable career and life in addition to her civil rights activism and time spent as an expatriate."—Ebony

"Her artistry represents human indomitability."—Washington Post