Simone on Simone! Talking with Lisa Simone
By Emily Cummins, ArtsQuest Public Relations Coordinator
The daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, Lisa Simone is a GRAMMY-nominated singer and actress who’s perhaps best known for her work on Broadway originating the roles of Aida in Disney’s Aida, Nala in The Lion King and Mimi Marquez in RENT. Over the years, she has graced the stage of New York’s Carnegie Hall and Australia’s Sydney Opera House, as well as performed at jazz and music festivals worldwide including Telluride Jazz Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival and more. On May 13 at SteelStacks, she’ll perform her 2003 album Simone on Simone as a special Mother’s Day tribute to her mom. Here’s what she had to say about the upcoming performance, reuniting with the Rob Stoneback Big Band and if she ever senses her mother’s presence when she’s on stage.
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Lisa, this Mother’s Day show marks the 10th Anniversary of the release of Simone on Simone. How did the concept for this show, which includes the Rob Stoneback Big Band, come about?
Well, it all started in January when I sent an e-mail to my friend, arranger of the Simone on Simone charts, Ken Moyer. I just wrote Ken to say, ‘Hello,’ and he mentioned the 10-year anniversary was fast approaching and went on to say how many people he had spoken with that had expressed excitement about the possibility of reuniting.
My U.S. agent, Greg Epler, contacted me shortly thereafter with a comprehensive outline of possibilities; clearly everyone had been talking to each other. Greg asked if I would be interested in a 10-year anniversary celebration of the release of Simone on Simone. I didn’t hesitate!
Since then, it has been a waterfall of names and personalities that played big roles in the making of my debut album. It’s literally a 10-year reunion, and I am so excited to share the stage with Rob Stoneback and his Big Band once again.
What can the audience expect at the performance?
A good time!
You’ve been quoted as calling your mother ‘The Great One who walked before me.’ When you perform her music, how do you approach that?
The way I approach everything – with joy! My mother’s music is as familiar to me as my own heartbeat, and when I perform her songs I am at home.
Do you ever feel like you have some really big shoes to fill?
Nope. It’s the rest of the world that looks at it that way.
Has there ever been an instance where you’ve felt like she’s right there with you on stage?
All the time!
You’re an accomplished singer, performer and Broadway actress. What’s next for you after this performance?
I return to Europe for more concerts, as well as to begin mixing and mastering my latest album due for release in the fall.
What are some of the other projects you are working on?
When the film “What Happened, Miss Simone?” was making the rounds I was approached by my literary agent asking if I had ever thought of sharing the story of my life. Considering I’ve been journalizing for over 25 years, it was the next logical step. So, I am well on my way to becoming an author.
You’re a U.S. Veteran who served in the Gulf War. What’s something you took away from your service to our nation that you carry with you in your performances?
I’ve never been asked that question. It’s a sense of pride that I made the decision to serve my country. The military life as I experienced it and performing are two different planets. It feels good to be part of a special family of individuals who have taken the oath to protect and serve.
Each time I take to the stage, I am the sum total of all my parts…Daughter Of, Military Veteran, Mother, Business Woman, Actress, Producer, Author, Composer, Meditation Practitioner, Human…
Did those experiences help shape who you are as a performer?
Yes, indeed. All of the experiences I shared above have helped create the seasoned performer who will grace the stage at SteelStacks on Mother’s Day.
