Week 2 Response


10th of June 1965

 Dear Mr. Stroud,
Thank you for considering The Blues Lounge for Nina Simone’s upcoming visit to the city. Unfortunately, we will not be able to schedule her performance. While we have hosted her in the past, at this time, we don’t think her music fits the kind of audience we want to attract. You understand of course that I am running an establishment with guests of a certain caliber. Miss Simone’s current repertoire is, to be blunt, vulgar, inciteful, and dreadfully political. Her appearance at those Alabama riots has tied her to the wagon of those criminals even more than her godawful “Mississippi *@!!?*@!” hate song.
Andrew, I consider you a friend and as a friend, heed my advice: get your wife in line. If Nina keeps on the way she is, associated with the least desirable figures of the decade, her career is going to implode and yours along with it. She needs to understand that she is a singer and a woman one no less, which means she has no place in politics. And the things she says, the promises she makes of a violent resistance. Lord have mercy! The only change Nina and her friends will bring about is their own deaths, mark my words. Don’t let her do this to you Andrew. 
I think you’ll have a hard time booking her anywhere right now. I heard from a friend at the Carolina station that his manager sent her record back to you in pieces. I hope for your sake it doesn’t get any worse.  I wish you the best of luck in finding another venue.

Regards,

Marvin Williams
The Blues Lounge  

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