Nina Simone — I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free (Rare Live Version)

This live recording is so special because it is the most mellow rendition of “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free“ that I’ve ever heard Simone sing. This recording has its polar opposite in Simone’s performance of the same song on a different night. Search youtube for the “extended ending“ version of “How It Feels,“ and you’ll hear what I mean: far from the measured precision heard here, the “extended ending“ shows Simone in all her holy-roller, revival meeting pianist glory. Together, these recordings point to two essential pieces of Simone’s talent: her fusion of classical piano precision with the improvisational tradition of gospel and jazz—two musical styles she then embellishes with pop appeal. What couldn’t she do? No copyright infringement intended. This is for educational use only.