Soul Doctor, the musical film about the controversial Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and his relationship with legendary jazz singer and civil rights icon Nina Simone, will be screened in cinemas June 13, in honor of the 10th anniversary since the production premiered on Broadway.
Nina Simone's daughter and executive producer of Soul Doctor, Lisa Simone spoke with WBGO's Doug Doyle about the film and the legacy of her mom.
Lisa Simone says she first learned about the unique relationship and collaboration between her mother and the rabbi was once she went to the Broadway production of Soul Doctor on Broadway.
"I didn't know what to expect but I was humbled and open wide when I watched it. I was touched. Here I am today and so overjoyed to be a part of the production that concentrates on a period in her life that we don't really talk much about, where there is still a little innocence."
Conceived by Jeremy Chess, created by David Schechter and Daniel S. Wise, with direction by Wise, Soul Doctor has a book by Wise, lyrics by Schechter and music by Shlomo Carlebach.
Simone says the film focuses on a time when her mother, born Eunice Waymon, had not taken on the name Nina Simone for very long.
"It was a time of youth. Discovery and innocence are the two words constantly pop out at me, two words that when you think of Nina Simone don't usually come to mind."
The filmed production stars Tony nominee Josh Young as Shlomo, Nya as Nina Simone, and Emily Padgett as Ruth.
Lisa admits she stands on her mother's shoulders but that she had to find her own way in life.
"I had to learn and appreciate and to understand a little bit more what she was doing, why she was doing it, what her intentions were and that she was doing the absolute best she could."
You can SEE the entire interview with Lisa Simone here.
