Of all the major singers of the late 20th century, Nina Simone is one of the hardest to classify. She recorded extensively in the soul, jazz, and pop genres,
often over the course of the same album; she was also comfortable with blues, gospel, and Broadway. It's perhaps most accurate to describe her as a "soul" singer in terms of emotion, rather than form. Like Aretha Franklin, or Dusty Springfield, Nina Simone was an eclectic who brought soulful real qualities to whatever material she interpreted. From child prodigy to the aptly titled “Empress of Song”, she was a consummate artist - brilliant singer, composer, pianist, storyteller and performer.

Recorded live in the South of France and the Caribbean during a leg of her 1985 world tour, Empress Live! showcases Nina Simone and her superb court of musicians as she performs her signature and some classic songs, running the full gamut of emotions.

Since her death in 2003 at the age of 70, Nina Simone remains a true musical legend. Empress Live! is a must have for any CD collection.