Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #206953 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 360 pages

Synopsis
Sylvia Hampton is a music journalist and jazz lover who befriended the soul diva, Nina Simone in the late 1950s. From that first meeting, they became close friends, corresponding regularly as Nina travelled the globe with her career. Now, in conjunction with the Simone family, Sylvia - with the assistance of her brother David Nathan - delves into her colourful collection of memorabilia of the deceased star to provide a vivid portrait of the singer over her 40-year career.

From the Author
Dr. Nina Simone a true legend, died April 20th, 2003. With her death the world lost a pure musical genius, and so much more. "Break Down And Let It All Out" is a personal tribute to a woman who not only gave us the gift of song, but shared the trials and tribulations of her life with us. Within the pages of this book, I have endeavoured to let people share the experience of who Nina Simone was. A truly complex woman, one who had experienced first hand the effects of rascism, who refused to compromise when it came to her God given talen as both a musician and singer, and yes the volatile side of her life that often saw headlines descrbing her as everything from "eccentric" to "downright crazy". You will discover within these pages the story of a woman often carrying heavy burdens, but never giving up or giving in. A mother, activist and unique human being, Nina Simone travelled the Globe, carrying a message that is as poignant today, as when she first began almost 40 years ago. Her musical repertoire spanned the generations, and ran the gamut from the fiery "Mississippi Goddam" to "My Baby Just Cares For Me". With exclusive photographs, and interviews from those closest to her, including her daughter Lisa Simone, the reader will be given the opportunity to see the woman behind the public facade. Although infamous for her explosive outbursts, you will discover through the pages, a woman with a joyous sense of humour and a love of life. It was my blessing to know Nina Simone for almost 40 years, and it is this blessing that I share with you the reader, so that you may get to know the very "real" woman behind the music.

About the Author
To her latest work - NINA SIMONE: Break Down And Let It All Out, published by Sanctuary books in May 2004 - author and doctor of metaphysics, Dr. Sylvia Hampton, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. Born in London, Sylvia first developed an interest in music growing up and hearing the extensice collection of R&B records owned by her brother David. Together with David, the first official Nina Simone Appreciation Society was formed, and in the early 70's, Sylvia took over the running of the Society. It was her ongoing friendship with the renowned performer that formed the basis for her work on Break Down and Let It All Out. Her working life began in the early 60's at Britain's first record store Soul City, dedicated to American black music. Sylvia worked for several music stores before joining the staff at Contempo International, a company again specialising in American black music, as well as the music publication Blues & Soul. Sylvia began developing her skills as a writer with Blues & Soul, interviewing many celebrities over the years, including such famed artists as Doris "Just One Look" Troy, Millie Jackson, Johnny Nash, Sly & the Familystone and P.P. Arnold, and of course Nina Simone. In the early 90's Sylvia moved to the U.S. initially working with Paramount Studios, she went on to work at Sony, MGM, and Disney during which time she worked with film producer/director Michael Bay famous for such hits as "The Rock" and "Bad Boys". Sylvia's longtime interest in spirituality and metaphysics would see her complete her Doctorate, Masters and Bachelors degrees in metaphysics. In addition she began working as an outreach volunteer for the Minority Aids Project and for recording artist Dr. Mable John at her Joy Community Outreach program. It was Sylvia's stellar work with this organisation that led to her receiving an award and commendation from former U.S. President Clinton, then-California Governor!
Gray Davis, and several African-American U.S. Senators and politicians. In 2000 Sylvia self-published an inspiring book of affirmations entitled "It Only Takes A Thought" which through her network of celebrities is owned by Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin and many others, including Dr. Nina Simone. Sylvia returned to the U.K. a couple of years ago, and divides her time between the U.K. and U.S. and following the passing of Nina Simone in April 2003, has begun working as the U.K. representative of the Nina Simone Foundation, a charity initially founded by Nina, but now being run by her daughter Lisa Simone. Witht a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2004, the Nina Simone Cultural Village in Africa, has begun, which will nclude a museum to the late performer. The Foundation will oversee the education and teaching of children of African decent but will be a cultural home for people's of all nationalities, and will also assist in the creative and musical training of generations to come. As well as her work with the Foundation, Sylvia is currently seeking a publishing deal for her latest work, "The Reactive World" a metaphysical book of life instructions and guidance. Following the publication of Nina Simone- Break Down And Let It All Out Sylvia remarked "I feel blessed to have been able to honour such and amazing spirit and lifelog friend, one who I will miss deeply." No doubt Sylvia's committment to other's will continue through her writing and her charitable endeavours.

Customer Reviews

A very nearly great book.
A competent but not great biography of the late,great Nina Simone awaits the reader here.The biography was written by an English Brother & sister who were the founders and administrators of Ms simone's UK based fan club.Much of the story is told from the author's dealings and working relationship with Nina which was rocky to say the least.There is much detail on Simone's visits to the UK and playing venues like Ronnie Scott's jazz club but elsewhere the detail is patchy.Nina Simone was a brilliant and much troubled character,she had a doctorate in music and also political studies,was a tireless campaigner for civil rights but fought the inner demons that many creative people suffer from on a daily basis.The book works well based upon the realtionship between Nina and the author but as a biography there are many gaps that need filling in.Whole years seem to go by in a flash.That said what it does do well is to give you an insight into what the lady was really like and what made her tick which is something that a lot of biographies don't do.A well intentioned and worthy effort and important reading for all Nina Simone fans.

A good resource for all fans of Nina Simone
Is it always such a good idea to get to know your favourite singer? In 1964 David Nathan the renowned Soul R n B journalist first met Nina Simone at the age of 15, his sister Sylvia (now Sylvia Hampton) was 13. They remain in contact for 39 years with Nina Simone, though there were times that they were out of favour. This book is an interesting tale of how two white South London teenagers , the founders of the Nina Simone Appreciation Society, became friends of Nina. They got backstage invites to her concerts and hotel rooms. Saw a whole range of her moods from generosity, humour, compassion through to tantrums ( in retrospect her volatile behaviour could well have been connected to a chemical imbalance rather than wilful diva excess. )

The first point to make is that this work is not a biography of Nina Simone. It is an account written by two dedicated fans and we get to read their stories. We hear how Sylvia had to contend with Nina phoning from a hotel room in the middle of the night to complain about being lonely, simply not taking on board the fact that Sylvia had to get up for work in a few hours time or Nina teasing David in front of her whole entourage for being 'fat'? Secondly it is also noticeable that David and Sylvia as great specialists in Soul and Blues tend to underplay the influence of Folk music on Nina's work, and also the fact that Nina seemed to connect with the beatniks and hippies. In the early 1960's she was well received by the beatnik scene in Greenwich Village, Nina recorded quite astonishing versions of Bob Dylan, Sandy Danny, and George Harrison songs, and one of her biggest hit records was a combination of two songs from `Hair'. This ability to cross over was one of Nina's great quality as an artist.

There is a forward by Nina's surviving daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, a further interview with Lisa, an interview with a close Dutch friend of Nina's, the Belgian head of the Nina Simone International Appreciation Society, and David Nathan's extensive survey of all her recorded work, indispensable for any `Ninaologist'.

The strength of the book is that the writers revered Nina and her music through many personal upheavals. They are candid, not afraid to be self-depreciating and lack any sense of trendy irony. There are plenty of interesting anecdotes and the book is well written. Yet what is still needed is a biography that will show the significance of Nina Simone's role in wider popular culture.

Grim!!
Well I bought the book on publication - yes I have read it twice. The second time with ever greater irritation. Who is this book about Miss Simone or Miss Hampton? Miss Simone I want to learn more about - Miss Hampton, you guessed it - NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only positive feature about this book is Miss Hampton's undoubted passion for Miss Simone and appreciation of her genius.

Sure there are some new angles and insights on this complex diva, but it is not a great read - I wonder if any of Nina's family aside from Lisa had any input. Nina's brother, Sam Waymon, is mentioned but I would guess not sought as a source of information - hell this guy was in Nina's band in the mid 60s and early 70s. The only mention seems to be the rather gratuitous mention about a trip to a gay club!!!

Nina's autobigraphy "I Put A Spell On You", remains the definitive read, so far. If only there was an Ian Carr, Paul Tingen or John Szwed who made such worthy contributions to our undrerstanding of Miles Davis who would do the same for Miss Simone. Her memory deserves a better more in depth analysis of probably the most influential singer and spokeswoman for humanity, equality and womens rights in the 20th century.

Save your cash (avoid this book) and wait another day for the definitive study of this truely remarkable lady and artist.