Feeling Good

Simone recorded the song in New York in January 1965, with Hal Mooney arranging, conducting and producing. Written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, it appeared on I Put a Spell on You. Simone transformed the theatre song into an emphatic declaration of freedom, opening unaccompanied before the orchestral entrance. The original album notes highlighted its celebration of acceptance and human dignity. Her interpretation became one of her signature recordings, sampled by artists including Jay-Z and Kanye West on New Day. Its use in advertising and films, including Perfect Days, has introduced it to successive generations.