The legendary Nina Simone’s unmistakable voice and revolutionary artistry are on full display in Let It All Out: Selected Singles 1961 to 1978, a powerhouse compilation released by Ace Records (UK). Spanning nearly two decades, this collection brings together singles from a variety of labels, offering listeners a fresh lens on Simone’s genre-defying career and capturing the full breadth of her soul, jazz, and pop sensibilities.
Unlike standard album compilations, this set focuses on singles — songs that were intended to reach the airwaves and resonate immediately with listeners. The result is a groove-driven, energetic portrait of Nina Simone at her most compelling and accessible. Tracks such as “Real Real,” “Suzanne,” “Revolution (Part 1),” “Do I Move You,” “Ooh Child,” and “Baltimore” highlight her deep emotional resonance and unique approach to melody and rhythm. The compilation also features iconic numbers like “To Be Young, Gifted & Black,” “I Put a Spell on You,” and “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” (UK single version), showcasing her remarkable ability to blend political, social, and personal expression into unforgettable performances.
Ace Records delivers this collection with their signature care: detailed liner notes, excellent sound quality, and thoughtful presentation, making this compilation a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers seeking a concentrated glimpse into Simone’s artistry.
Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, Nina Simone was a classically trained pianist who became one of the most innovative and powerful voices of the 20th century. Blending jazz, blues, soul, gospel, and classical music, she created a sound that was uniquely her own. Simone was not only a performer but also an outspoken activist, using her music to address civil rights, social justice, and personal empowerment. From her early recordings in the 1960s to her later politically charged work in the 1970s, Simone left an indelible mark on music history. Hits like “Mississippi Goddam,” “Feeling Good,” and “I Put a Spell on You” remain touchstones of artistry, courage, and emotional depth. Her influence can be heard across generations of musicians in jazz, R&B, pop, and beyond.
Let It All Out offers a concentrated glimpse into this legendary voice, spanning the 1960s and 1970s, and demonstrating why Nina Simone continues to be celebrated as one of the most compelling and revolutionary artists in modern music.