Lisa Simone, daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, returns to Australia with a show celebrating her mother’s legacy. She explains to John Shand how she found her true calling after a decade in the US Air Force and why she was intent on making music on her own terms.

Lisa Simone. Photo © Jen Harris

Merely being known as the great Nina Simone’s daughter was never going to satisfy Lisa Simone. She was intent on making her own way in the world, while also, like every child, seeking her famous mother’s approval. Both women could be stubborn, resulting in periods where their paths diverged, before coming to a more complete convergence than either had imagined. This helped Lisa make music on her own terms, while...