March 1965, London

Completely smitten by whatever music I can find by Nina Simone and wanting to be a part of the ‘in crowd’ of the small but dedicated group of fellow Brits who love American R&B artists like Doris Troy, Otis Redding, James Brown, Don Covay, Irma Thomas and more and who have started fan clubs in Britain for them, I write to Philips Records (to whom Nina is now signed) to ask for the address of her management so I can ask permission to start the first appreciation society/fan club for Nina in the UK. When I get a letter back from Andy Stroud, Nina’s manager/husband giving me the thumbs up, I’m thrilled! Learning that she will be performing in June in London for the 1st time, I’m ecstatic…