High Priestess of Soul is Nina Simone’s final album issued by Philips Records. Led by Hal Mooney, it features an expansive band accompanying popular tracks like “Don’t You Pay Them No Mind,” as well as Simone-penned songs that intermix African American gospel and folk, including “Come Ye” and “Take Me to the Water”. Since this release, Nina Simone has become recognized as the “High Priestess of Soul.” An American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights advocate, she incorporated an array of genres, from classical and jazz to blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop. Her unique style melded gospel and pop music with classical elements, in particular Johann Sebastian Bach, and was complemented by her sultry, jazz-influenced singing.