I Put A Spell On You

Written for Jim Adams’ Thursday Inspiration #275 –
‘Feeling Good.’ Here’s my spin on things.

This week in Thursday Inspiration, Jim Adams has asked us to respond to his challenge “Feeling Good” in any number of ways that inspire us.

Jim featured the Nina Simone song “Feeling Good” which is off her album, I Put A Spell On You. I have chosen another classic Nina Simone song from the same album …. her iconic track of the same name …. “I Put A Spell On You”, written and originally recorded in 1956 by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. You may watch his video HERE.

The spell that Nina Simone casts in her songs is completely unique, something that is her own very personal form of expression. It may be touching, it may be gay, it may build a searing flame of anger. But it is always a true emotion that her spell evokes. It is an honest and very human emotion because it is built on the unfailing integrity of this remarkable artist.

When she sings a song, she means it. And you always know that she means it. According to Simone, listening to Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ strong, often outlandishly weird presentation was one of the most moving listening experiences she ever went through. She chose to set her recording against a ballad background but even in those circumstances it gave her an unusual opportunity to completely cut loose

Nina’s Simone’s sense of fashion was a bold reflection of her music. Celebrating Nina Simone’s 90th Birthday and legacy in 2023, “I Put A Spell On You” puts a spotlight on four of the “High Priestess of Soul’s” most iconic looks across her illustrious career. Nina challenged boundaries and throughout her career encouraged and empowered expressions of Black culture and beauty. The video for “I Put A Spell On You” showcases those boundaries of self-expression and Black female empowerment that Nina championed throughout her career. The video follows 3 women dancers inspired by four of Nina Simone’s most iconic looks.

This is “I Put A Spell On You” by Nina Simone

Thursday Inspiration #275 Feeling Good

Big thanks Jim Adams for this inspiration. Thanks to you all for stopping by for a look and a listen.

That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

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