Jenifer Lewis: Nina Simone Was Raw And Unafraid

Last year Simone (Lisa Simone Kelly), the daughter of singer Nina Simone paid homage to her iconic mother on Mother's Day with the re-launch of NinaSimone.com. Serving as the executor of her mother's estate, Simone plans to feature exclusive content including unreleased songs, video performances, a 24-7 Internet radio station, interviews and guest commentary, among other things. "As her only child, I have a unique vision compared to anyone else walking this earth," she told us earlier this year. "So a lot of what we're bringing to the site is from my perspective."

"They say 'the more things change, the more they stay the same.' Considering I am walking so closely in my mother's footsteps, that adage certainly applies, yet the subtle differences between Mommy's time and mine are vast," she added on the newly revamped site. "The best of her lives on in me and when I pass on, the best of us will live on in my little girl as she carries on the Legacy Simone." Next week the site will feature its latest celebrity blog installment from legendary actress and singer, Jenifer Lewis. Check out Lewis' blog excerpt below.

I discovered Nina Simone’s music when I was walking down the hall in my dorm at Webster College in St. Louis. I heard Nina’s voice coming from my friend’s room – it was “Four Women.” I stood in the hall transfixed and then went out and bought all of Nina’s albums. She was so raw and seemingly unafraid -- but something in me sensed great vulnerability beneath her boldness.

Head over to the site on May 9 to view Jenifer Lewis’ posting in its entirety.