Nina Simone (February 21st, 1933 – April 21st, 2003) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. Her music spanned styles including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop. After releasing her first hit single "I Loves You, Porgy" and her debut album Little Girl Blue, she went on to record more than 40 albums between 1958 and 1974. Her piano playing was strongly influenced by baroque and classical music, and accompanied expressive, jazz-like singing in her contralto voice.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Simone only appeared at the 1966 Parade performing "Blue Skies" on the Autumn Splendor float.