Nina Simone Documentarian Reveals Singer's Shockingly Violent Temper

Hollywood Reporter ^ | 6/24/2015 | Chris Gardner

[nickcarraway]

Netflix's first commissioned doc paints a complex portrait of the legendary singer and her daughter. Filmmaker Liz Garbus: "I don't know how many of us could reveal [abuse] and not ask for editorial control."

A version of this story first appeared in the July 3 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

Director Liz Garbus paints a balanced portrait of the legendary Nina Simone in Netflix's first commissioned documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?, including the emotional account from the singer's only daughter, Lisa, detailing the intense physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her iconic mother. Details of the abuse, which surfaced during filming of the doc (out June 26), came as a surprise to the accomplished documentarian who previously directed There's Something Wrong With Aunt Diane, Bobby Fischer Against the World and Love, Marilyn.

"The fact that Lisa was abused by Nina and by her father was not something I had known, but the first time I met Lisa I felt it," says Garbus. "I don't know how many of us could reveal that and not ask for editorial control. [But] without acknowledging the tough spots, how could you really acknowledge the full genius of who she was?"

Garbus discussed her creative process, her upcoming first narrative feature project and Simone's legacy during a chat with THR.

What has it been like to field responses since the film debuted earlier this year?

We debuted the film at Sundance and John Legend played there that night, which was such a beautiful tribute and homage. Then we've had a wonderful festival run, going to Berlin and now we're doing theatrical and, of course, leading up to Netflix on June 26 — it's been amazing. There are so many people who have different Ninas that

[dead]

That's a nice list! I've seen a ton of shows too, people like Sonny Rollins, Champion Jack Dupree, Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Emmylou Harris, Lou Reed, David Byrne, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Neville Brothers, B.B. King, etc.

As I've gotten older, I've gotten more particular about the venue. No more moshing and such - I see 90% of my shows now in NYC at City Winery. I sit at a reserved table up front, no more hassles. I sometimes shoot surreptitious videos there too. If you want to check out a few - go here. The acoustic Mavericks videos are some nice ones.

[Hot Tabasco]

But wow, was she talented.

Thanks for the link, I followed up on many of the others there and you're right, she was indeed talented.

[Hot Tabasco]

Jazz singer from the 50’s and 60’s

Notice the Black and white videos of her lounge appearances.....the audience is filled with nothing but white gentlemen in their coats and ties and their lady friends....

This was a time when racism WAS in effect

[Lurker]

“feeling Good” is one of my favorites of hers.

L

[21twelve]

In listening to a bit of the music just now, that is what my mind conjured up. Like from an old movie where the music can be heard but doesn’t drown out a conversation.

[okie01]

Good list, yourself. And you've got it down to the essence -- reserved, up front, you're known, no hassles.

Did a quick pass thru the Mavericks, Clinch Mountain Boys (did Ralph Stanley really want to be there?) and found Raul Malo's Stardust quite interesting.

To which end, allow me to share the greatest version of the greatest song ever written -- Lionel Hampton All Stars -- Stardust

Lawdy, I'd have loved to be there for that!

[Oratam]

bkmk

[nickcarraway]

I saw Lionel Hampton. He was great. I noticed his bassist was Jimmy Woode who had played with Duke Ellington and talked to him later.