Nina Simone, one of the world’s greatest singers and musical activists, died yesterday (April 21) at her home in France. The cause of Simone’s death has not been revealed, but she has battled cancer in the past. Nina Simone was 70 years old.

A professional musician since the ‘50s, Simone’s unique and eclectic style has influenced and inspired musicians in all genres. Here’s a list of 10 reasons why we think Nina Simone was cool:

1. She was tough and didn’t back down. Often described as being "difficult," (the catch word for women that stand their ground) Simone wasn’t willing to compromise her principles for the music industry or anyone else.

2. Simone was a jazz singer, a folk singer, a blues singer, an R&B singer, a pop singer and a gospel singer all wrapped into one. Her eclectic nature took her through all sorts of genres and she wasn’t afraid to take musical risks, even if it meant alienating her fanbase.

3. She was one of the first black women to be trained as a classical pianist at Juilliard.

4. In the ‘70s, Simone became so disgusted with the state of racial relations in the United States that she up and left the country. She lived for many years as a nomad, moving through Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, eventually settling in France.

5. Although she sang about a variety of topics, Simone was a protest singer. Violence within the U.S. Civil Rights movement caused her to write the biting "Mississippi Goddam," one of her most powerful songs.

6. Not afraid to tell it like it is, Simone published her controversial autobiography, I Put A Spell On You, in 1991.

7. Born Eunice Waymon on February 21, 1933, Simone borrowed her surname from French actress Simone Signoret. She chose "Nina" as a first name because it means "little one."

8. She was called "The High Priestess Of Soul." To understand why, just listen to her sing "Go To Hell." You’ll never wonder again.

9. She never closed her mind to different forms of music. As famous for her cover songs as her originals, Simone’s repertoire included Gershwin’s "I Loves You Porgy," Leonard Cohen’s "Suzanne," The Bee Gee’s "To Love Somebody," Bob Dylan’s "Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues" and George Harrison’s "My Sweet Lord."

10. Although she slowed down considerably after leaving the U.S., Simone kept active in recent decades. In 1989 she sang on Pete Townshend’s The Iron Man and in 1993 she released her last studio album, A Single Woman. She has made a few appearances in recent years, touring throughout 2001. In 1999 she appeared on stage with her daughter, Lisa Celeste, who performs under the name "Simone."