Nina Simone

I don't care if you like my music. I don't care if you don't. I play for me.

I was put on this earth to be a musician. I was put on this earth to do something special.

My voice is an instrument, and I use it to speak my mind.

I'm not a jazz singer. I'm a folk singer. I'm a classical singer. I'm a blues singer. I'm a pop singer. I'm a gospel singer. I'm a rock 'n' roll singer. I'm a soul singer. I'm a singer.

The only thing I ever wanted was to be a classical concert pianist.

I am a composer. I write my own music. I write my own lyrics.

I don't believe in the word 'hate'. I believe in the word 'love'.

I don't think I'm a happy person. I think I'm a very tormented person.

I was never a civil rights leader. I was a musician.

I'm not a pacifist. I'm a revolutionary.

I don't want to be loved. I want to be respected.

I don't sing. I communicate.

I'm a Black woman. I'm a feminist. I'm a musician.

I don't believe in God. I believe in me.

I'm not a performer. I'm an interpreter.

I'm not here to entertain you. I'm here to tell you the truth.

I'm not a star. I'm a legend.

I believe in music. I believe in its power to heal, to inspire, to change the world.

I'm a survivor. I'm a fighter. I always have been.

I don't care about money. I care about my art.