When Nina Simone recorded “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” in 1964, she poured the pain of the Civil Rights Movement – and her own personal struggles – into every note. Just months later, the British rock group The Animals released their own take on the song, which was lighter and pop-leaning. It became a major hit.
Simone’s original version did not.
The contrasting interpretations of this track reveal much about the cultural landscape of the 60s and the challenges faced by Black artists trying to make their voices heard. Craig Thompson, the immediate past chair of the University of Maryland Board of Trustees, joins Stephanie Shonekan on this episode to discuss the origins of Simone’s song and its ability to oscillate between being a collective cry for justice and a personal – or even spiritual – plea for acceptance.
Cover Story with Stephanie Shonekan is produced by Katelynn McIlwain, Janet Saidi, Ryan Famuliner, Aaron Hay, Nat Kuhn, Mark Johnson and Stephanie Shonekan. This season was edited by Aaron Hay, Janet Saidi and Ryan Famuliner.
This podcast is a collaboration between KBIA and Vox Magazine, with funding from the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities, MU’s College of Arts & Science, and the Missouri School of Journalism.
You can follow the podcast and other special projects on Instagram @kbianews.
“Cover Story with Stephanie Shonekan” Season 1 was produced by Janet Saidi, Kristofor Husted, Fernando Narro, Rehman Tungekar, and Ryan Famuliner, with host and producer Stephanie Shonekan. Season 1 was edited by Rehman Tungekar and Ryan Famuliner.
“Cover Story with Stephanie Shonekan” Season 2 was produced by Janet Saidi, Ryan Famuliner, Aaron Hay, and Stephanie Shonekan. Season 2 was edited by Aaron Hay and Ryan Famuliner.
“Cover Story with Stephanie Shonekan” Season 3 was produced by Katelynn McIlwain, Janet Saidi, Ryan Famuliner, Aaron Hay and Nat Kuhn, with host and producer Stephanie Shonekan. Season 3 was edited by Aaron Hay and Ryan Famuliner.
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