“Why? (The King of Love Is Dead)” was penned by Nina Simone’s bass player Gene Taylor after the news of Martin Luther King’s death had reached him. She sang it for the first time in New York, only three days after King’s assassination and less than 24 hours after the song was composed. During her performance, she said, “We can’t afford any more losses… they’re killing us one by one.” Simone’s rendition was recorded on the live album “Nuff Said!” (1968), which later earned her an Emmy nomination. May you rest in peace, Nina Simone (1933 - 2003)… 🌹
I used this video several years ago to teach storytelling to teachers. We compared different forms of storytelling (poetry, photographs, short stories, music) all from the Civil Rights era. It fit perfectly for Black history month. They said the music portion was the most powerful. I think this video is most profound because you can see and hear Nina's emotion; it's moving beyond just what words or images can do. We compared/contrasted this song with her Feeling Good, and the depth of her voice and passion in both are tremendous but the tone is gut wrenchingly different. I've taught stories of slavery through civil rights to modern day hip hop through music to 6th graders and it's such a powerful way to experience these stories. This video is my favorite part of the lessons, and it was taken down for a few years. I'm so glad it's back. I love to watch and feel it every now and again. Now I'm going to listen to more uplifting Nina, because I can't cry all day! (Love, and more love to this beautiful woman.)
Thanks Kim. Hearing this song for the first time today. Wish I was aware of it during the years when I was teaching elementary school. Glad to hear that you were able to use it during your teaching years.
Just read this in 2023, and now in some states teachers can be arrested for teaching this. I'm ashamed to say my 20 years of active duty serving my country was for noug, I don't even recognise the country I once proudly served.
What a blessing for you to be able to arm your students with truth, history and wisdom! Had trouble teaching my students lessons from To Kill a Mockingbird years ago and we live in Alabama; Harper Lee’s home state 🤷🏽♀️!! Although there was pushback, I dug in and, it went very well! Was recently able to thank my principal, now retired, for allowing me to become the teacher she facilitated me to be by holding me accountable for thinking outside of the box, while putting my students first. Praying you’re still educating, inspiring, and encouraging students to be the best they can be so they can become productive citizens in our society. Thanking you for what you’ve already done ❤🌺🌷
The song 'Save the Country' (1969) by the Bronx singer/songwriter Laura Nyro was written in response to the assassinations of Dr King and Robert Kennedy - the lyrics are in the vernacular of Dr King.
I cannot believe I lived in the US for 8 years, no one even mentioned this great singer to me?!! I think I should hear her more than these old presidents who were suppose to fight for human equality....... but never really did. This is a great Artist in her voice, her rhythm, her tenant, her mind! And she was such a great "silent" fighter for her people!! She sang her fight so consistently in the most beautiful way! Are the kids being told of her?? Why is it I never even overheard her name from people's conversations? Even on Martin Luther King Day? It is only because of this pandemic that I search high and low for something outside those stupid trends that I found her. Why is America burying a great person who fight for equality, freedom and love like her?!! Black folks, do not allow this to happen!! I might be living under the rock, I think all nationality should know her, teach me, teach us!! If only people can pay heed to her songs, we might have a chance of more equal societies in this world!!
There is a price for being anti-establishment. I don't know about 2020, but at the time when Nina Simone started openly criticizing America in her songs her fate was sealed and she knew it. She said it in many of her interviews. Either make general audiences (white) happy or be an activist. If you criticize America , you're an un-American communist, an enemy. You are to be forgotten and to perform to a niche audience or abroad. Maybe a white guy could get away with it like let's say Marlon Brando. But not a black woman. Wanna try this at home? Try to talk to any American about Syria, Afghanistan, Hiroshima , Nagasaki or Native American genocide. See how long it takes before they change the subject, say they don't care, call you names or say that they know America is the best country in the world because illegal immigrants are literally dying to get to the US. No reflection whatsoever.
@@mikshinee87 Yes, I know this feeling of alienation very well. I have been treated like an alien attending and spoke up in those Harvard lectures, bias and supremacy are headed by these rich institutions. There is always a price to pay when one tries to stay clear headed and question the established authorities. There is a very good Chinese dancer who dared to fight the most powerful dancing institution in the midst of turmoil in the 70s. She said: most of human being come to this earth solely to continue the lineage, to seek enjoyment, or, just to take.... yet all she is just an observer, she just come to this earth to take a good stroll; to see how the rivers flow, how the trees grow and how the white clouds float... When education is institutionalized, we need to find ways to remain detached to all ideologies and to all these materials human being pushed to bait our greediness in disguise of supremacy and nationalism. It is all these worldly desires that drive the politicians for profits and cause inequality and led human to hate and kill for their own self interests regardless of the price the earth has to pay. But if we talk like this in front of most people, they would just roll their eyes and walk off.... to attend a screaming ball game to support their own team. Goal of life for many......
Was just reading a book about Lorraine Hansberry, also an activist, a play writer, a dear friend to Nina Simone who inspired her in the fight for civil rights. Another figure who has been lost in history, obscured. The book if you find your self interested is "Looking for Lorraine" by Imani Perry which speaks to her fight for equality through her literary work, her famous playwright 'A Raisin in the Sun'.
Those old presidents who were “supposed” to fight for human equality didn’t want to to hear this & many still don’t! That’s why you lived here for so long without hearing of Ms Simone. She was called the queen of the civil rights movement.
Here we are in 2022, honoring the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. This powerful and beautiful song from Nina Simone is more relevant than ever! “Will my country ever learn?”
J'ai eu la chance une fois dans ma vie de voir Nina dans le plus grand festival de jazz en Guadeloupe ce fut assurément l'un des meilleurs moments de m'a vie a Nina l'éternel
These songs, these artists can teach us all great life lessons. We are not out of the woods, yet. Burnings, Bombings, shootings, in the back, no weapon in hand, modern day LYNCHINGS, how long is too long, PEOPLE, Lord. Sincerely Bobbie from Silver Spring.
She has every audience utterly captivated , enthralled and under her beautiful spell... Is there a recording of one of her last live performances at the Royal Albert Hall London... I almost managed to get a ticket! Would be nice to view it on you tube tho xx
I listen to this song today, and I cry. I cannot believe how relevant this song is to this day. When Miss. Simone sings, "what's gonna happen now, that the king of love is dead?" Black men and girls of all ages and castes, being killed and silenced for no god sane reason. I pray the US wakes up soon.
God! I'm looking for a place to write my thoughts about what it's like being black in a world that doesn't except nor wants me. I don't know what to do to change it. I can't express my unbearable feelings. And I cannot wake up in the morning seeing it was all a bad dream. So I turn to Nina Simone and cry her tears. Before they harden and become one with my hollow sad heart.
Here are the lyrics to this..... the king of love is dead nina simone Once upon this planet earth Lived a man of noble birth Preaching love and freedom for his fellow man He was dreaming of a day Peace would come on to stay And he spread the message all across the land Turn the other cheek he’d plead Love thy neighbour was his creed Pain humiliation & death, he did not dread Yes With his Bible by his side From his foes he would not hide It’s hard to think that this great man is dead He had seen, the mountains top. And he knew he could not stop, Always living with the threat of death ahead. Tell your parents They better stop and think Cos were heading for the brink now you’d better believe it What’s gonna happen now that the king of love is dead Well, Will the murders never cease Are thy men or are they beasts? What do people, what do they think they have to gain? Well will your nation stand up for all Is it to late for us all? And did Martin Luther King just die in vain? You know that he was fought equality for all the people you and me Full of love and good will Hate was not his way He was not a violent man So tell me honey tell me if you can Just why was he shot down the other day It was prejudice, It was hate Bigotry sealed his fate Go on Cry cry your tears wont change a thing Will my country ever learn? Must it kill at every turn Weve got to know by now, What the consequences will bring Yes we have seen a thousand times That he knew he could not stop Always living with the threat of death ahead Yeh yeh yeh Yd better stop and think Or were all headed for the brink Here me now What will happen now Whats gonna happen now That the king of love is dead
Enorme mujer en su arte musical...es notable su medula su alma...Enorme porque supo pararse ante el Poder...Radical,sincera....mujer irrepetible...escucharla es un homenaje...eran tiempos de Martin Luther King...
Thats what I called music, beautiful voice one of a kind. Listen to the instruments. Sounds like>>>jirrrie wat is die song nou weer eish en wie sing dit..like i think Brook Benton,down on my knees down on my knees..eish ek vergeet but on my jirrrie.
Even though the tragic circumstances Martin Luther King's legacy will live on as a mind of beauty is a joy for ever and an eternal source of light divine.
never heard this before. Thanks to Alicia keys for the tweet. everyone despite what's coming on 1-20-17, stay strong and hopeful. it's hard to believe that after the past 8 years of social progress we have to re-fight the 1950s. bring it on!!! HAPPY MLK JR DAY!!
@bobbyKennedyJr , I am , very very agnostic, but I would say Bobby Jr. stop it , stop it, stop it, your father 's name is also associated with, God bless MKL!!
To me she sounds like this is the last time she will repeat it, and they were lucky enough to press record. The silky repose contrasts her disdain for the RCA exec who is demanding attention for his Studebaker
“Why? (The King of Love Is Dead)” was penned by Nina Simone’s bass player Gene Taylor after the news of Martin Luther King’s death had reached him. She sang it for the first time in New York, only three days after King’s assassination and less than 24 hours after the song was composed.
During her performance, she said, “We can’t afford any more losses… they’re killing us one by one.”
Simone’s rendition was recorded on the live album “Nuff Said!” (1968), which later earned her an Emmy nomination.
May you rest in peace, Nina Simone (1933 - 2003)… 🌹
I used this video several years ago to teach storytelling to teachers. We compared different forms of storytelling (poetry, photographs, short stories, music) all from the Civil Rights era. It fit perfectly for Black history month. They said the music portion was the most powerful. I think this video is most profound because you can see and hear Nina's emotion; it's moving beyond just what words or images can do. We compared/contrasted this song with her Feeling Good, and the depth of her voice and passion in both are tremendous but the tone is gut wrenchingly different. I've taught stories of slavery through civil rights to modern day hip hop through music to 6th graders and it's such a powerful way to experience these stories. This video is my favorite part of the lessons, and it was taken down for a few years. I'm so glad it's back. I love to watch and feel it every now and again. Now I'm going to listen to more uplifting Nina, because I can't cry all day! (Love, and more love to this beautiful woman.)
What an Interesting and relevant topic. I’d love to have you as a teacher!
That qàqq!!a!qqà1q
Thanks Kim. Hearing this song for the first time today. Wish I was aware of it during the years when I was teaching elementary school. Glad to hear that you were able to use it during your teaching years.
Just read this in 2023, and now in some states teachers can be arrested for teaching this. I'm ashamed to say my 20 years of active duty serving my country was for noug, I don't even recognise the country I once proudly served.
What a blessing for you to be able to arm your students with truth, history and wisdom! Had trouble teaching my students lessons from To Kill a Mockingbird years ago and we live in Alabama; Harper Lee’s home state 🤷🏽♀️!! Although there was pushback, I dug in and, it went very well! Was recently able to thank my principal, now retired, for allowing me to become the teacher she facilitated me to be by holding me accountable for thinking outside of the box, while putting my students first.
Praying you’re still educating, inspiring, and encouraging students to be the best they can be so they can become productive citizens in our society. Thanking you for what you’ve already done ❤🌺🌷
This couldn’t be more relevant and emotionally charged
She is the greatest black female entertainer
Ever!!!
Greatest musician ever... entertaining was not what she did though....
Na Beyonce
5:09 So beautiful and meaningful! Thanks.
I find and post this video every single year on this day. Makes me tear up. Never fails.
buddbravo tears me too
I work in the film industry, I'm wanting to do a film "Nina Simone" The history the life the legend
Someone has already done one documentary about her, but more is appreciated. :-)
The song 'Save the Country' (1969) by the Bronx singer/songwriter Laura Nyro was written in response to the assassinations of Dr King and Robert Kennedy - the lyrics are in the vernacular of Dr King.
April 4th 1968 my (white liberal)dad came home and said"they did it,this country is doomed".
god she was so beautiful. Thank you so much Miss Simone, for giving us the opportunity to appreciate you and for what you had to say so beautifully.
Right on !
🫶🏾💯🫶🏾
I cannot believe I lived in the US for 8 years, no one even mentioned this great singer to me?!! I think I should hear her more than these old presidents who were suppose to fight for human equality....... but never really did. This is a great Artist in her voice, her rhythm, her tenant, her mind! And she was such a great "silent" fighter for her people!! She sang her fight so consistently in the most beautiful way! Are the kids being told of her?? Why is it I never even overheard her name from people's conversations? Even on Martin Luther King Day?
It is only because of this pandemic that I search high and low for something outside those stupid trends that I found her. Why is America burying a great person who fight for equality, freedom and love like her?!! Black folks, do not allow this to happen!! I might be living under the rock, I think all nationality should know her, teach me, teach us!! If only people can pay heed to her songs, we might have a chance of more equal societies in this world!!
There is a price for being anti-establishment. I don't know about 2020, but at the time when Nina Simone started openly criticizing America in her songs her fate was sealed and she knew it. She said it in many of her interviews. Either make general audiences (white) happy or be an activist. If you criticize America , you're an un-American communist, an enemy. You are to be forgotten and to perform to a niche audience or abroad. Maybe a white guy could get away with it like let's say Marlon Brando. But not a black woman. Wanna try this at home? Try to talk to any American about Syria, Afghanistan, Hiroshima , Nagasaki or Native American genocide. See how long it takes before they change the subject, say they don't care, call you names or say that they know America is the best country in the world because illegal immigrants are literally dying to get to the US. No reflection whatsoever.
@@mikshinee87 Yes, I know this feeling of alienation very well. I have been treated like an alien attending and spoke up in those Harvard lectures, bias and supremacy are headed by these rich institutions. There is always a price to pay when one tries to stay clear headed and question the established authorities.
There is a very good Chinese dancer who dared to fight the most powerful dancing institution in the midst of turmoil in the 70s. She said: most of human being come to this earth solely to continue the lineage, to seek enjoyment, or, just to take.... yet all she is just an observer, she just come to this earth to take a good stroll; to see how the rivers flow, how the trees grow and how the white clouds float...
When education is institutionalized, we need to find ways to remain detached to all ideologies and to all these materials human being pushed to bait our greediness in disguise of supremacy and nationalism. It is all these worldly desires that drive the politicians for profits and cause inequality and led human to hate and kill for their own self interests regardless of the price the earth has to pay. But if we talk like this in front of most people, they would just roll their eyes and walk off.... to attend a screaming ball game to support their own team. Goal of life for many......
Was just reading a book about Lorraine Hansberry, also an activist, a play writer, a dear friend to Nina Simone who inspired her in the fight for civil rights. Another figure who has been lost in history, obscured. The book if you find your self interested is "Looking for Lorraine" by Imani Perry which speaks to her fight for equality through her literary work, her famous playwright 'A Raisin in the Sun'.
@@jessicabe3278 Thanks a lot, will take a look!
Those old presidents who were “supposed” to fight for human equality didn’t want to to hear this & many still don’t! That’s why you lived here for so long without hearing of Ms Simone. She was called the queen of the civil rights movement.
Here we are in 2022, honoring the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. This powerful and beautiful song from Nina Simone is more relevant than ever! “Will my country ever learn?”
I was named after Nina Simone
Beautiful name
Great...In these times it's a difficult task but I hope you are living up to the principles of her legacy
J'ai eu la chance une fois dans ma vie de voir Nina dans le plus grand festival de jazz en Guadeloupe ce fut assurément l'un des meilleurs moments de m'a vie a Nina l'éternel
Oui quelle chance, déjà que les vidéos sont prenantes, alors un véritable concert .................... !
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day everybody let’s celebrate the man that gave all of us freedom!
This moves me to tears. Every time.
Everytime
2023 . Its up to all of us to try harder than ever before to be the best we can. The kids are WATCHING.
We need people to address the continuing white supremacist movement, rather than act as if it doesn't exist.
These songs, these artists can teach us all great life lessons. We are not out of the woods, yet. Burnings, Bombings, shootings, in the back, no weapon in hand, modern day LYNCHINGS, how long is too long, PEOPLE, Lord. Sincerely Bobbie from Silver Spring.
Every year I come to RUclips & listen to "The King of Love is dead" on MLK Day 2019!!! Nina Simone is the best.
And every time I come here I vote you up, only to realize that I'd already done that last time. Long live 🌟Nina 🌟
Sorry, love this comment... Love serendipity... what is MLK dat? And erm... Happy mother's day today!
♾♾♾⚖️❤️
@@vampork Martin Luther King
She’s so beautiful
God knows we need him now
She's just marvelous! ❤❤❤
Can't watch this video without tearing up, every time. The whole audience too, and Nina
Beautiful Nina!
Nina was larger than life,just to imagine that she was suppressed for many years.nina is forever this is not music but history.
Nina Simone was an inspiration 😢
And Nina Simone is truly divine
Happy MLK Day y’all 2022!!! My two greatest idols Nina and Martin that stood up for our rights.
An amazing talent.
She has every audience utterly captivated , enthralled and under her beautiful spell... Is there a recording of one of her last live performances at the Royal Albert Hall London... I almost managed to get a ticket! Would be nice to view it on you tube tho xx
Eunice Waymon " Nina Simone" aurait dû être reconnue aux États-Unis. Artiste talentueuse depuis son +jeune âge. J aime écouter ses chansons, musiques.
Oui, vous avez raison, Nina Simone est une artiste talentueuse, très remarquable, qui a su se tenir debout dans son opinion. Je l'admire beaucoup
I listen to this song today, and I cry. I cannot believe how relevant this song is to this day. When Miss. Simone sings, "what's gonna happen now, that the king of love is dead?" Black men and girls of all ages and castes, being killed and silenced for no god sane reason. I pray the US wakes up soon.
Bman Chu what’s racist ab this? everything he said was true
as normal, perfect, heartfelt, and emotional performance. i love this woman so much 💞💞
God! I'm looking for a place to write my thoughts about what it's like being black in a world that doesn't except nor wants me. I don't know what to do to change it. I can't express my unbearable feelings. And I cannot wake up in the morning seeing it was all a bad dream. So I turn to Nina Simone and cry her tears. Before they harden and become one with my hollow sad heart.
Here are the lyrics to this.....
the king of love is dead nina simone
Once upon this planet earth
Lived a man of noble birth
Preaching love and freedom for his fellow man
He was dreaming of a day
Peace would come on to stay
And he spread the message all across the land
Turn the other cheek he’d plead
Love thy neighbour was his creed
Pain humiliation & death, he did not dread
Yes With his Bible by his side
From his foes he would not hide
It’s hard to think that this great man is dead
He had seen, the mountains top.
And he knew he could not stop,
Always living with the threat of death ahead.
Tell your parents They better stop and think
Cos were heading for the brink now you’d better believe it
What’s gonna happen now that the king of love is dead
Well, Will the murders never cease
Are thy men or are they beasts?
What do people, what do they think they have to gain?
Well will your nation stand up for all
Is it to late for us all?
And did Martin Luther King just die in vain?
You know that he was fought equality for all the people you and me
Full of love and good will
Hate was not his way
He was not a violent man
So tell me honey tell me if you can
Just why was he shot down the other day
It was prejudice, It was hate
Bigotry sealed his fate
Go on Cry cry your tears wont change a thing
Will my country ever learn?
Must it kill at every turn
Weve got to know by now,
What the consequences will bring
Yes we have seen a thousand times
That he knew he could not stop
Always living with the threat of death ahead Yeh yeh yeh
Yd better stop and think
Or were all headed for the brink Here me now
What will happen now
Whats gonna happen now
That the king of love is dead
Enorme mujer en su arte musical...es notable su medula su alma...Enorme porque supo pararse ante el Poder...Radical,sincera....mujer irrepetible...escucharla es un homenaje...eran tiempos de Martin Luther King...
A fiercely strong talented songstress who was as well known for her love for her people as she was for her towering TALENT
the girl is untouchable
Very emotional.The best version
Brilliant and Love.
Merci!
here on MLK day... always loved this performance so much :)
Absolutely magnificent!
❤
Thank you Jesus for leading me to her listen to Armstrong and holiday and wow what a treat 2 days I am learning of her
I love her❤
They just played this on the radio. I feel you can tell something of a persons character by their heroes. ❤️🌈✌🏻🖖
Maravillosa interpretación.!!
Thats what I called music, beautiful voice one of a kind. Listen to the instruments. Sounds like>>>jirrrie wat is die song nou weer eish en wie sing dit..like i think Brook Benton,down on my knees down on my knees..eish ek vergeet but on my jirrrie.
I love her
So beautiful. Makes me cry yet her words/voice give me hope.
Always crying with Nina! Such a soul MLK 💕💕💕.
We miss you so much~~~~
Nina is/was a GODDESS..No need to say more..
Still Love you Nina,,,R.I.P. I will never forget you,, Never.... Hotep,, Hotep...
This woman is incredible I'm a huge fan.
Remarkably talented.
Dios mio . Me hace llorar cuando canta . Ez increible
You mean she, right?
Siempre maravillosa-!!
Forever Nina Simone🎙🎹🎶💖💖💖🎶
Love is the answer...nice song
with every move and every words i can read her emotions and her deep thoughts......such an open mind....i am so impressed of her
In one of my birthdays early in the morning ending my one of the night shift days, I played this song over and over emotional feeling content
You gentleman .. you are best to upload this clip .. i used to listen to whole concert ,otherwise,for this only song : )
She was fierce. It's not too late for a posthumous Nobel peace Prize.
Stunning. Simply that.
Straight from the heart , sadly in some ways what had really changed?
Que coisa mais linda.
Emocionante
Even though the tragic circumstances Martin Luther King's legacy will live on as a mind of beauty is a joy for ever and an eternal source of light divine.
My kind of beauty... xx
never heard this before. Thanks to Alicia keys for the tweet. everyone despite what's coming on 1-20-17, stay strong and hopeful. it's hard to believe that after the past 8 years of social progress we have to re-fight the 1950s. bring it on!!! HAPPY MLK JR DAY!!
Juneteenth. Let Freedom Ring! Reparations would've been more meaningful than a holiday, though...
Wunderbar 😊❤
Only true 🤝🤝
You miss us so much MLK My Brother of love !!
Maravilha 🥰
...he....was not a violent man.....the king of love...wot a tune..thanks nina..jah love..wot a tune..wot a tune..they dong sing these tunes anymore
em 2019 seculo 21 ainda morremos...
Still relevant to this day
Beautiful song. I wish it would not be relevant any longer. So sad
I'd even say MORE THAN EVER NOW...
Powerful!
Absolutamente fabuloso...Nina Simone eterna!!
The Kind of love is dead...but the love between black people should never die also.
May Almighty God take vengeance on our enemy and deliver us from this system
RIP Dr King!
The King Of Love Is Not Dead . Just Taking A Nap.!
Amen!
Is that John Lennon at 3.02 in? Lovely btw
I wondered the same thing
it certainly looks like it!!
We appreciate you MLK!
Love you
🖤
über das Menschsein
ありがとうエホバ。🌹
RIP 🙏
"Will my country, ever learn. Must it kill... at every turn? We've got to know by now, what the consequences will bring."
If only we could all be friends
This is a very heavy song
Clearly no noble cause is ever futile
Someone knows where the last song is? The festival, the year, something?
@bobbyKennedyJr , I am , very very agnostic, but I would say Bobby Jr. stop it , stop it, stop it, your father 's name is also associated with, God bless MKL!!
Hmmmph! Nailed the NAIL down "wID" da MF wood"....DAAAA-Ryte!
2004.... I'M STeeeel.....AAAAALL ...... to MF SHREDZ!!! Since 2005 when RUclips nudged me for months, based on my music and documentary likes.
❤
My g
Happy Birthday MLK Jr.!
Afrika must be freed people
everybody Martin Luther King JR died a long time ago and the original The king of love is dead has 3000 likes and only 30 dislikes
To me she sounds like this is the last time she will repeat it, and they were lucky enough to press record. The silky repose contrasts her disdain for the RCA exec who is demanding attention for his Studebaker
🔥🙏🌹
What happened has put us all in shame.