Nina Simone and Langston Hughes had a special bond, explored in new book. Plus, Denyce Graves directs 'Carmen'

0:01:00

A new book explores the long friendship between Nina Simone and Langston Hughes

Harlem Renaissance icon Langston Hughes first met a 16-year-old Eunice Waymon when she was a high school student in Asheville, NC. Later, Eunice would go on to become a global music sensation under her stage name, Nina Simone. Her friendship with Hughes endured for the rest of the famed poet’s life. A new book explores their bond.

W. Jason Miller, distinguished professor of English at NC State University, public scholar, author of Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood: Nina Simone, Langston Hughes and the Birth of Black Power

0:33:00

Pioneering mezzo soprano Denyce Graves directs 'Carmen' for NC Opera

By the age of 30, opera singer Denyce Graves was considered one of the world’s best performers of the legendary title role in Georges Bizet’s Carmen. Now retired as a singer, Graves is pouring her talent into mentoring the next generation of opera greats. She joins NC Opera on October 16 and 18 to direct its production of Carmen.

Denyce Graves, award-winning opera mezzo soprano, director and philanthropist