I watched an incredible documentary the other day which told the story of the legendary musician, Nina Simone. She was one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century, an icon of American music, and a true storyteller.
Her two songs Mississippi Goddam and Aint Got will tell you all you need to know about the civil rights movement in the US. Watching her perform those songs is to witness someone who is channelling something so deep and so true, that the medium seems to disappear into the message.
She was a brilliant woman, whose genius tipped over to mental illness eventually. This was sad to witness. Human brilliance is extraordinary and delicate.