Sings the Blues is an album by singer/pianist/songwriter
Nina Simone. This was Simone's first album for
RCA Records after previously recording for
Colpix Records and
Philips Records. The album was also reissued in 2006 with bonus tracks, and re-packaged in 1991 by
RCA/
Novus as a 17-track compilation under the title The Blues.
"Backlash Blues," one of Simone's
civil rights songs. The lyrics were written by her friend and poet
Langston Hughes.
"I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl," based on a song by Simone's great example,
Bessie Smith, but with somewhat different lyrics.
"
The House of the Rising Sun" was previously recorded live by Simone in 1962 on Nina at the Village Gate. After its cover by
The Animals became a hit, she recorded it in studio. The fast-paced version on this album is very different from the slow, intimate version on Nina at the Village Gate.