Verve to release Nina Simone’s 1966 Newport live recording for the first time on CD and LP

As part of its year-long celebration of Nina Simone’s 90th birthday, Verve Records and UMe have announced the release of You’ve Got To Learn, a newly-discovered recording of Simone’s performance at the 1966 Newport Jazz Festival, set for release on 21 July. The first single from the album is out now, Simone’s impassioned take on the celebrated protest song ‘Mississippi Goddam’.

Simone performed a six-song set at the Newport Jazz Festival on 2 July 1966, a performance which has gone down in the annals of the festival’s history, but which has been unreleased until now. The new recording captures the essence of Simone’s performance at the festival, showcasing both her vocal/pianistic range and her ability to connect with her audience.

Liner notes for the album are provided by Shana L Redmond, a respected scholar and author who has written extensively on Simone’s life and legacy. Her notes “provide a valuable context for the performance and help listeners understand the historical significance of Simone’s music,” says UMe. “The release of this recording is a momentous occasion for music lovers and fans of Nina Simone worldwide. It is a rare opportunity to experience the magic of one of the most exceptional performers of the 20th century”.

Tracklisting is as follows: ‘You’ve Got To Learn’; ‘I Loves You, Porgy’; ‘Blues For Mama’; ‘Be My Husband’; ‘Mississippi Goddam’ and ‘Music For Lovers’.

Pre-order the album and listen to the single here