Jazz on Film: Nina Simone documentary on Netflix

A new documentary on the life of Nina Simone will be released on Netflix on June 26, 2015.  “What Happened, Miss Simone” (101 mins.) is directed by Liz Garbus.  

“Nina Simone’s general narrative has inspired so many young women throughout her career and since her death (in 2003),” said Rodney Franks, host of “Into the Evening” on Jazz89 KUVO.  ”She was a complicated spirit, with a lot of depth.”

The film’s producers are releasing a companion music project, “Nina Revisited: A Nina Simone Tribute.”  Among the 16 tracks are performances by daughter Lisa Simone, Lauryn Hill on six tracks, a duet with Common and Lalah Hathaway, Jazmine Sullivan, Grace, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Gregory Porter, Alice Smith and Nina herself.  Rolling Stone article and sample track here.

See the trailer for “What Happened, Miss Simone” here.

NPR’s Michele Norris interviewed director Liz Garbus about the film, here.