Nina Simone: The High Priestess of Soul As one of the most eclectic performers of the 20th century, Nina Simone—who studied at Juilliard Extension many years ago—occupies a truly rarified space. She was one of the most important performers and composers to set foot on any stage and her recordings serve as a testament to her magnetism. Never one to be confined by genres, labels, or the norms of the day, she burned with a passion that fueled her larger-than-life stage persona.