Jazz and soul singer Nina Simone, famed for her civil rights songs and interpretations of gospel, ballads and George Gershwin, died Monday at her home in the south of France, her manager said. She was 70 years old.

Simone, a North Carolina native who had been living in France off and on for the past eight years, had been ill for some time, Clifton Henderson told Reuters when reached by telephone in France.

Among her biggest hits were the 1959 recording of Gershwin's "I Loves You, Porgy." Her repertories also included the socially conscious song "Mississippi Goddamn" and "Old Jim Crow.""

Raised in a family of eight children, she studied piano at New York's prestigious Juilliard School of Music, a rare opportunity for a black woman in the 1950s.

Thos ewho aren't familiar with her music might remember the Scene in The Thomas Crown Affair with Peirce Broslan and Rene Russo, when Peirce broslan returns the museum, The music that is playing is "Sinner Man" by Nina Simone.

"I Loves You, Porgy" is one of my favorite titles of all-time.

Just a note: Ms. Simone was born Eunice Waymon, 2/21/33. She was also quite the political activist in the 1970's.

She was an amazing, amazing singer, pianist and spokesperson. I cannot say enough about her power and passion, and our loss in her absence. Go find her stuff. Now. Then go buy it.

That's awful, I loved her music. Still will though.