Bellas, my love for Nina Simone is no secret — but every so often I’m reminded of her genius. That just happened with this video, and I had to share it with you.

So many things about this 1968 performance clip are striking. Her powerful performance, yes. Her energy, yes. But especially – the regal strength of her beauty. I love a big, wide headband and Nina wore hers like a queen. Set off with a little makeup – smokey eye and a berry lip — paired with a beautiful ivory strapless fishnet number that’s so vintage chic, there’s no wonder that what’s old is new again. I know many bellas who’d wear that outfit right now if they could!

Enjoy, bellas – Nina forever!

COMMENTS

Chai says:

July 21, 2009, 2:22 pm

she's one of the few musical heroes in my life...my boss was gracious enough to gift me her collective works last year for christmas, and I've been transfixed...just completly and utterly in love with this woman's talent and grace.

CC says:

July 21, 2009, 4:04 pm

Nina Simone is genius. Sometimes I sit silently and listen to her music. Sometimes in the dark before I have to assemble words on the page.

warrior11209 says:

July 21, 2009, 8:23 pm

Always have and always will luv Nina Simone - thanks for the clip!

Simply Z. says:

July 22, 2009, 3:37 am

Don't know if you already know this and it's Kinda ironic, but I just discovered the designer Alicia P. (like a few hours ago). She designs a handpainted Nina Simone shirt. You may be interested. Check it out. http://www.designsbyaliciap.com/people/nina/index.htm

Niki says:

July 22, 2009, 12:26 pm

LOVE her! She's one of the voices I think of when I think about angels singing...

Caribbean Girl says:

July 23, 2009, 5:18 pm

Nina Simone is just simply AWESOME.

Digital Tempest says:

July 28, 2009, 11:12 pm

"House of the Rising Sun." Love it, along with almost everything else she's performed, especially "Feeling Good." Such an icon.