Nina Simone, To Love Somebody | COVERS

In the 39^th edition of COVERS (2024), Nina Simone delivers a compelling rendition of “To Love Somebody” originally performed by Bee Gees.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 39^th edition of COVERS (2024), Nina Simone delivers a compelling rendition of “To Love Somebody” originally performed by Bee Gees.

“You don’t know / What it’s like / Baby you don’t know / What it’s like / To love somebody / To love somebody / The way I love you.” The beloved classic “To Love Somebody” was originally recorded by the Bee Gees back in 1967.  The trio scored a top 20 hit on Billboard Hot 100.  Besides being performed by the Brothers Gibb, it was written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb. In 1969, music visionary Nina Simone covered “To Love Somebody” on her album, also titled, To Love Somebody. While Simone is renowned for her jazz leanings, throughout her illustrious career, she proved herself to be multifaceted and versatile.  This dynamic cover of “To Love Somebody” is a prime example of Nina’s top-notch, world-class musicianship.

“What good does it bring / If I ain’t got you, if I ain’t got you?” Nina Simone is backed by a strong musical arrangement (Jimmy Wisner is an arranger and conductor).  The groove is soulful, led by athletic, pummeling drums (Charles D. Alias).  Beyond the drums, the rhythm section is tight, including a sickening bass line (Gene A. Perla is beastly), guitar (Al Schackman), and bluesy piano (Simone).  Also, vibraphone adds color.  Additionally, there are lush strings and mean-sounding horns that bite something fierce.  With such an epic backdrop, Nina has plenty of fuel for her fire. Of course, Simone is a natural.  She’s commanding from the onset with her distinct, nuanced pipes. Had Bee Gees not originally recorded this song, you could swear this was a Nina original.  She sells it: “But I’m a woman / Can’t you see what I am / I live and breathe for you.”  Oh, snap! Besides her compelling, expressive lead, Simone gets support from powerful female background vocals, singing in their upper register.  Ultimately, Simone put in serious work on “To Love Somebody”.  This cover is utterly sublime! Note: check out her version of the song, recorded Live in Antibes (1969) that contrasts the studio version 🔻.

Nina Simone // To Love Somebody  // Sony Music Entertainment // 1969

Nina Simone, To Love Somebody: Covers No. 39 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]