From The Conversation · Jason Miller · · 1m 20s
Nina Simone and Langston Hughes' Creative Bond
Langston Hughes inspired Nina Simone's 1965 hit 'I Put a Spell on You' through their deep creative collaboration.
In brief
Langston Hughes inspired Nina Simone's 1965 hit 'I Put a Spell on You' through their deep creative collaboration. Langston Hughes mentored Nina Simone, helping her craft her iconic 1965 song 'I Put a Spell on You' that defined her identity. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Nina Simone's early inspiration
Nina Simone performed at her high school in Asheville, North Carolina in 1949.
“Little girl dreaming of a baby grand piano”
Langston Hughes' early support
Langston Hughes encouraged Nina Simone to record 'I Put a Spell on You' in 1965.
“The seeds of this relationship were planted in 1949”
Hughes' professional friendship
Hughes and Simone became close friends after Simone moved to New York City in 1959.
“Hughes was impressed with simone's piano skills”
Hughes' Newport Jazz Festival role
Hughes secured Simone a spot at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival where she performed.
“Hughes wrote the final song of the festival”
Hughes' Chicago Defender article
Hughes published a Chicago Defender article highlighting Simone's talent in 1960.
“Spotlight on Nina Simone”
Hughes' songwriting influence
Hughes provided Simone with over a dozen original lyrics for her recordings.
“Hughes suggested simone sing the lyrics of an obscure song”
See-Line Woman performance
Simone performed 'See-Line Woman' at Carnegie Hall on March 21, 1964.
“See-line woman black dress on for a thousand dollars”
Incantations for Nina Simone
Hughes proposed 'Incantations for Nina Simone' in late 1964 or early 1965.
“You cast a spell on me i'll work my black and white magic”
I Put a Spell on You release
Simone released 'I Put a Spell on You' as her album title track in June 1965.
“I put a spell on you”
Backlash Blues performance
Simone performed 'Backlash Blues' at Lincoln Center in 1966.
“When langston hughes died he told me many months before”
The takeaway
Langston Hughes mentored Nina Simone, helping her craft her iconic 1965 song 'I Put a Spell on You' that defined her identity.
