PODCAST: Tryon’s Nina Simone: The High Priestess of Soul You’ve heard Nina Simone’s music before. You might not know her by name, but chances are you’ve hummed along to some of her memorable melodies. After a long career, Nina Simone would be recognized worldwide as an artist and activist, transcending genres and generations. But first, she had to start out as a little girl with a big talent born in the small mountain town of Tryon, North Carolina in 1933, Nina was a child prodigy who began playing piano at the age of 3. Her young talent would be nurtured, allowing her to develop the skill and values to carry her music to a worldwide audience. In celebration of Nina Simone, the First Peak and the Town of Tryon created these six podcasts and invite you to listen and learn more about the stories and the events of Nina’s childhood that contributed to the creation of a legend. Then come visit Tryon, N.C. to walk in her footsteps and to see the ways we are honoring her today. Click on the buttons below – start with Part 1 or jump straight to an episode. Once complete, just click the NEXT button to move to the next episode. Learn more about her life: Explore Tryon Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part...
PODCAST: Nina Simone’s Childhood Audio Story Part 1 Nina Simone was a big talent born in the small town of Tryon, North Carolina in 1933. Nina was a child prodigy who began playing piano at the age of 3. Her career would lead her to be recognized worldwide as an artist and activist, transcending genres and generations. Listen here to a story of her early talent and her legacy, told by daughter, Lisa Simone. Then click the button below to hear the next story. https://firstpeaknc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SP1-Overview-may-31-final-version.mp3 Music credit: “Feelin’ Good” – Nina SimoneStoryteller: Lisa Simone (Nina’s daughter) Learn more: Explore Tryon, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame NEXT: Listen to Part...
PODCAST: Nina Simone’s Childhood Audio Story Part 2 Nina Simone: Eunice Waymon Birthplace Nina Simone’s birth name was Eunice Waymon. She was born in 1933, the sixth of eight children. The home is a small three-room home that she spent time in as a young child. Listen to the story to hear Lorena Cunningham, an early friend of Eunice, speak about growing up in Tryon, NC. Then click the button below to hear the next story. https://firstpeaknc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SP2-Birthplace-june-5-final-version.mp3 Music Credit: “I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl” by Nina SimoneStoryteller: Lorena Cunningham UPDATE: her home has been been designated a National Treasure and is in the process of restoration and planning for how it might be used to best fit her legacy and the community. Learn more about the concepts. For more info visit the Explore Tryon website NEXT: Listen to Part...
PODCAST: Nina Simone’s Childhood Audio Story Part 3 Nina Simone: The Waymon Family and Church Church on Sunday was a huge part of young Nina’s childhood. She was known as Eunice Waymon then, and her family was actively involved in their local church. Her father John Waymon was a Sunday School Teacher, and the superintendent of the Sunday School. Her mother was a minister in the church. Listen here as Eunice’s childhood friend Lorena shares her experiences growing up with the family. Martin Anderson, WNCW Radio Music Director, also speaks about the church’s influence on Nina’s music. Then click the button below to hear the next story. https://firstpeaknc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SP3-Church-june-5-final-version.mp3 Music Credit: “Sunday in Savannah” by Nina SimoneStorytellers: Lorena Cunningham, Martin Anderson For more information visit the WNCW Radio website or the Explore Tryon website NEXT: Listen to Part...
PODCAST: Nina Simone’s Childhood Audio Story Part 4 Nina Simone: Ms. Mazzanovich’s House Young Nina’s talent at the piano had been recognized. Some of Tryon’s townspeople helped support her through music lessons with Ms. Mazzanovich, a classical pianist and teacher in Tryon. “Ms. Mazzie” as she would come to be known, helped to expand Nina’s skills. Listen as Nina’s daughter, Lisa, talks about the time she met “Ms. Mazzie” plus Lorena, Nina’s childhood friend, and Jeff Lieberman, producer of the documentary, “The Amazing Nina Simone,” talk about Nina’s continued growth as a musician. Then click the button below to hear the next story. https://firstpeaknc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SP4-Ms-Mazzie-may-31-final-version.mp3 Music Credit: “I Put a Spell on You” by Nina SimoneStorytellers: Lorena Cunningham, Jeff Lieberman, Lisa Simone For more information visit The Amazing Nina website or the Explore Tryon website NEXT: Listen to Part...
