To Be Young, Gifted and Black


"To Be Young, Gifted and Black" is a song by Nina Simone with lyrics by Weldon Irvine. The song was originally recorded and released by Simone in 1969. The song was also featured on her 1970 album Black Gold and was considered an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. Released as a single, it peaked at number eight on the R&B chart and number 76 on the Hot 100.

Background

"To Be Young, Gifted and Black" was written in memory of Simone's late friend Lorraine Hansberry, author of the play A Raisin in the Sun, who had died in 1965 aged 34.

Cover Versions

Notable cover versions of the song were recorded by: