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Feeling Good

Exploring the surprising history behind Feeling Good, made famous by Nina Simone, and its lasting impact today. From 2020.

The surprising history behind a track made famous by Nina Simone.

Feeling Good was written for a now obscure musical and originally performed by Cy Grant, the first black man to appear regularly on British TV.

Cy Grant's daughter, Samantha Moxon, describes her father's extraordinary life from Prisoner of War camp to a successful career in the arts.

The composer, Neil Brand, discusses why the song has gone on to transcend the almost forgotten musical it was created for.

Other speakers are Sam Reynolds, who says the track helped her through challenging times, and musician, Kirsten Lamb, who sings a simplified version with young children at a homelessness project in Massachusetts.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact

Producer: Karen Gregor

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in July 2020.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Fri 24 Feb 2023 20:30

Broadcasts

  • Wed 15 Jul 2020 09:00
  • Wed 15 Jul 2020 21:00
  • Fri 24 Feb 2023 20:30

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast