On Bank Holiday Monday, following a string of 25th anniversary programmes, Jazz FM will broadcast a rare 1998 interview with Jazz legend Nina Simone.
The interview with David Freeman, who is still a presenter at the station, was recorded when she was in London for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall (her penultimate London performance). David revisits the interview with stories of nerves before he met her, of seeing the state of those who interviewed her before him and of introducing her on stage (at her request) a couple of days later.
David, remembering the experience, said “’My memorable conversation with Nina explained, as you will hear, how her life, with its profound frustrations, shaped her music.”
Jazz FM’s Content Director Nick Pitts said “It’s great that we are able to air this original programme from our rich archive featuring (at the time) a ‘living legend’ in Nina Simone. I’m grateful to David for his vivid memories of the day, which along with her music and this rare interview give another great opportunity to celebrate our silver anniversary.”