Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her jazz singing, which often incorporated elements of classical, gospel, and blues music. She was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, and began playing piano at the age of three. She went on to become one of the most influential singers of the 20th century, with a career spanning over five decades. Her most famous songs include 'Feeling Good, ' 'My Baby Just Cares for Me, ' and 'I Put a Spell on You.'