Nina Simone’s Daughter Plans Bi-Coastal Memorials
The late Nina Simone will be remembered at two upcoming U.S. memorials being planned on both coasts by her daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, a vocalist whose stage name is Simone.
The late jazz diva known as the High Priestess Of Soul will be celebrated on July 26 in New York at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Simone will also be remembered on the West Coast at an August 9 memorial in Los Angeles’ Culver City district.
Internationally renowned for her diverse repertoire of pop, soul, blues and jazz as well as her civil rights work, Nina Simone died April 21 at her home in the South of France. Her funeral was held at Lady Of Assumption church in the town of Carry-le-Rouet, France, four days later.
Kelly, who currently has the starring role in the Broadway musical Aida, has also established the Nina Simone Foundation, a nonprofit organization that will preserve and celebrate her mother’s musical legacy as well as her social causes.
According to Kelly, “Anyone who knew my mother knew that Nina Simone was more than just a gifted artist, but also a courageous fighter for civil rights and for human rights. I established this foundation to raise money for those lifelong causes that have always been important to her. I want others to see how one woman’s courageous fight and vanguard life can make an impact that will continue long after her death.”