How Music Today Reflects Reality

Simone and the Role of the Black Artist

Nina Simone said quite simply that the “artist’s duty is to reflect the times,” and so as a Black Artist she saw it as her duty to reflect the times that black people especially were going through in her day and age (“Nina Simone: An Artist’s Duty”). She did that especially in songs like “Mississippi Goddamn,” which criticized society for its racism and violence (“Nina Simone: Mississippi Goddamn”). Or, as Loudermilk points out, Simone brought her “identity as a musician to the protest identity of the Civil Rights Movement” that was raging during her life. This paper will reflect on Simone’s role as a Black Artist and what she believed that should be, as well as on how her songs reflected that role. It will also discuss whether her music would fit in our present moment and what her ideas of the current music of the Black artist might be.

First off, Nina Simone was not only a talented musician, but also an activist who used her platform to promote social justice and equality for Black people. She believed that the role of the Black artist was to reflect the reality of their experiences and use their art to effect change in society. Simone's music addressed topics such as racism, police brutality, and poverty, and she often incorporated elements of jazz, blues, and gospel into her work. She was a classically trained pianist and was able to bring two very different kinds of styles together in her music, which made it explosive, joyous, complex, and alive. She could compose something soulful like “Wild as the Wind” or something in your face like “Mississippi Goddamn” and draw attention to the outrageous actions going on in the South.

In our present moment, Nina Simone's music would certainly still be relevant and powerful. Issues of racism and inequality continue to persist in our society, and her music would continue to speak to those experiences. Simone would likely be critical of some of the current music of Black artists that focuses solely on material wealth and fame, rather than using their platform to advocate for social change. However, she would likely appreciate the diversity and creativity of the current music scene and the ways in which Black artists continue to push boundaries and innovate within their craft.

Seven songs and artists that reflect the ideas of Nina Simone;s role of the Black artist:

1. "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" by Gil Scott-Heron - This spoken-word piece critiques mainstream media and calls for political revolution, much like Simone's music.

2. "Formation" by Beyoncé - In this song, Beyoncé celebrates her Black identity and culture while also addressing issues of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement.

3. "This Is America" by Childish Gambino - This song and accompanying music video critique American society's treatment of Black people and the rampant gun violence in the country.

4. "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar - This song became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for hope and resilience in the face of police brutality and racial injustice.

5. "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday - This haunting song about the lynching of Black people in the South was a powerful critique of racism and violence during its time and remains relevant today.

6. "Freedom" by Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar - This song is a call to action for Black people to fight for their freedom and equality, much like Simone's music.

7. "Blues for Brother George Jackson" by Archie Shepp - This jazz composition is a tribute to George Jackson, a Black activist who was killed in San Quentin Prison in 1971, and speaks to the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation for Black people.