A Single Woman 2025

Nina Simone burst into the world with 1959’s "Little Girl Blue", and music would never be the same. For over 5 decades, Nina entertained, enthralled, and educated listeners across her extraordinary recording and performance career.

After a triumphant concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1992, Nina was approached by Elektra A&R executive Michael Alago, whose previous work at the label included Tracy Chapman and Metallica. When asked if Nina was ready to record again, she replied, “get me the money, then we can talk!”. Modeled around 2 of Simone’s favorites, Frank Sinatra’s "A Man Alone" and Billie Holiday’s "Lady In Satin", with the common element that both were recorded with full orchestral accompaniment, the sessions began.

Backed by a 50 piece orchestra, Simone recorded the material that would comprise "A Single Woman" with producer Andre Fischer, Natalie Cole’s then husband and former drummer for the band Rufus. The 10 tracks chosen from the sessions were revelatory, weaving songs about love in the style only Nina Simone could conceive and deliver. Simone recorded more material during the sessions, including covers of Bob Dylan, Prince, Beatles, and Bob Marley, pointing to a potential follow up, but, sadly, "A Single Woman" would be her final studio album before her passing in 2003.

"A Single Woman" was reissued in 2006, adding 7 of those performances left behind. Now, 4 more previously unissued recordings from those sessions have been added to create "A Single Woman : The Complete Elektra Recordings", 21 tracks on CD and double LP. Newly remastered, this collection also contains new liner notes from the British Ambassador Of Soul, David Nathan, outlining both the recording of the album, but also recounting his nearly 3 decade relationship with Simone, beginning when he formed the UK Nina Simone Appreciation Society in 1965.

Experience this icon’s final studio recordings in the most comprehensive way with "A Single Woman : The Complete Elektra Rcordings".

Out now on Omnivore Recordings.