Simone Signoret

Nina Simone is one of my favorite musicians, maybe my flat out favorite. Her piano playing, her voice, and her strong, almost threatening, intensity all make her a fascinating artist. Here she is singing a haunting version of "Four Women". Written and composed by Simone, this song outlines the four most common stereotypes of black women. It continued her role as the songstress of the civil rights movement.  This video leaves me wondering: who's Elmira?  Read Full Story

I have been a fan of Nina Simone for a long time. I think I heard of her for the first time when the Fugees record came out and Lauren Hill said "While you imitatin' Al Capone, I'll be Nina Simone, and defecatin' on yo' microphone." I was like, who that? I was sixteen or something. So I have liked Nina Simone for something like thirteen years. Plus, she covered all of my favorite songs, and I think she might be the reason why I like reinterpretations, remixes or covers, of songs. This song... Read Full Story

Some days when I try to update this journal I have trouble deciding which of the various things I have watched deserves the pride of place.  This is a pretty easy decision if I have seen something unusual or a film which really moved me or one which I absolutely hated, but occasionally none of the recent candidates seems to fit the bill.  By rights I should be reviewing "Casque d'or", a Jacques Becker-directed, Simone Signoret-starrer from 1952.  It's probably some 20 years since I last... Read Full Story

This is our group blog, which is unique because any Zimbio member can post an entry to it. Some members blog about recent news and trends related to the portal topic, others recount relevant personal stories. You can also comment on and rate existing blog entries, to voice your opinion and to help the community identify which members and entries on the portal are must-reads. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this portal? Well, then put on your journalist's cap... Read Full Story