Nina Simone: Diva Of The Dives

APPROACHING 60, Nina Simone, Princess Noir with the famed attitude, has got used to putting punters in their place. A one-time classical musician she should have been a world-famous concert pianist, but instead poverty and prejudice led her to the pop world and a show business format that has never been taxing enough for her. The disdain shows. She wouldn't be seen dead in a video dancing on a ceiling or blow-drying her hair. A completely self-contained legend, she has carved out a powerful personal style of blues, classics and soulful hymns — from 'I Loves You Porgy' to the phenomenally successful 'My Baby Just Cares For Me'.