It’s Sunday and I’m recovering (believe it or not) from a Christmas party I attended with my wife last night. In spite of not feeling in the holiday spirit just yet, it was a good time and the function gave my wife and I the opportunity to spend some quality time together. It also got me thinking of how my feelings and respect for her continue to flourish over the years…
Two years ago I dedicated one of my first posts called Beale Street: The True Home of the Blues to my wife. The past several years she’s been responsible for guiding me through some very challenging times. Her incredible focus has generated a new healthy lifestyle for me and the result is a resurgence of creativity and new found inspiration I didn’t think was possible a few years ago…
One of my wife’s favorite performers is Nina Simone. I remember some of her albums from the seventies, but my appreciation developed as a result of my wife’s knowledge and awareness of this amazing and important artist. Simone has recorded over 40 albums with the largest volume of work being released between 1958 and 1974…
Nina has influenced many of today’s modern artists such Alycia Keys, Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill and so many others including her daughter. Simone’s music has been featured on several soundtracks such as The Big Lebowski, The Thomas Crown Affair and the Sex and The City movie. And the tune “Feeling Good” was the promo song for the fourth season of HBO’s Six Feet Under. A show my wife and I enjoyed watching together.
I could go on and on about Simone and mention many of her meaningful contributions to the music world and the Civil Rights Movement. But so much has already been written by more knowledgeable and credible people than me, that I will refrain from elaborating further. However, if you are interested in learning more about Nina Simone you can click here…
A singer you’ll definitely want to check out is Nina’s daughter, a recording artist and Broadway actress. I found her website and music very intriguing. You can find that link here at simonesworld.com…
For The Past Two Years
I’ve had this incredible urge to get back to my love of writing. And I’ve tried to jar loose some of the memories of my past that I tucked away for so many years. The Blues Blogger demands many hours of my time, especially on the weekends when so much needs to be done around the house. It couldn’t be possible without the support of my family… I love creating new articles and ideas for posts, and the readership that is growing is just the icing on the cake for me.
So why is it that the most important people you have in your life are the ones that seem to know the least about how you feel? Funny how that works! For the record, without my wife I may not have survived two years ago… Because it’s her love and faith in me that keeps me feeling good.
And no, I didn’t write this because I’m in the dog house… Just credit where it is due! 🙂
This one is for you my dear!!!
All My Love,
The Blues Blogger
Nina Simone– Incomparable—No site like the BluesBlogger either– love this — Thank you
Lovely dedication ! And no, I don’t think you wrote this because your in the dog house. I think your in love with a special lady that has inspired you in every way. The best to both of you friend.
Nina Simone has that magical musical soul touch that can be related to in so many in situations…A great artist.
What an incredible and inspiring way to start the week. Nina Simone and a dedication to a special woman, all in one post. Thanks.
Great post. I forwarded to “my baby” who has guided me through similar “valleys of life”.
Nina Simone… a great tribute and an even better dedication for your wife !! May you both receive all the best of everything in this world… and your kids too !! Great blues blog !!
wow to still be SO IN LOVE with somebody after all these years is so special in ways that words can not say enough!! what a delightful dedication and such an honor to be reading this !!! Nina Simone is a great singer and entertainer and thanks for sharing your time and feelings with all of us i feel blesssed to been turned on to such an AWESOME blog!!!
Michelle
A great artist ,she is ncomparable, love it
Thanks BluesBlogger for sending
I listen to Nina Simone to drive me on in the gym.
I don’t know how long you have been married (25 for me) – but it does seem to get better? (we men don’t admit it often enough)
I just stumbled on your site tonight. It it beautiful – – both the content and the design. thanks much – i am now a fan and a twitter follower.
Paul Butterfield who was a friend of mine, was one of Nina Simone’s biggest fans he covered some of her tunes and arrangements and would just say how she knocked him out whenever her name came up…Thanks for this BB Well Done as always…
My Dear Music Friend,
I enjoyed you blog as usual, not to mention your comments about your wife and your situation. A role model for all of us.
Yes, I have also followed her most of my life and the hits are only the icing on the cake for this truly wonderful diverse singer.
Thanks again for a good blog. I am sure I speak for others too, when I say we all appreciate them and your life stories. Thanks for those who gave us the internet and the ability to connect.
…. a fantastic blues legend, wish I would of known of her long before now…. come to think of it, maybe I did !! Great review BB !! 🙂