Nina Simone on being a classical musician :Jazz FM @ 25: 'When David Freeman met Nina Simone'

Nina Simone was a prickly lady, especially in her later life when David Freeman was granted an audience with the great lady when she was in London to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in 1998. He, like many others before him, was slightly concerned how his (short) interview would go. But there was nothing to worry about – it went very well. Although short, Nina opened up about her life as a musician, her life as an older person and that story about not being allowed into the Curtis Institute.

As Jazz FM continues its celebration of 25 years on the air, we delved deep into the archive and bring you the programme in its entirety from start to finish about Nina Simone, featuring that interview. It’s your chance to hear David’s anecdotes from the day, waiting to meet the great lady, what happened during the interview and then what happened when he was asked to introduce her on stage.

Jazz FM @ 25: 'When David Freeman met Nina Simone' broadcasts this Bank Holiday Monday at 6pm.