NINA SIMONE - NINA SIMONE'S DAUGHTER SETS UP FOUNDATION

NINA SIMONE's daughter has set up a new non-profit group to preserve and celebrate her mother's music, social causes and legacy.

LISA SIMONE KELLY, the star of Broadway's AIDA, has set up the NINA SIMONE FOUNDATION in honour of her mother, who died in April (03) aged 70 at her home in France after a long illness.

Kelly says, "Anyone who knew my mother knew that Nina Simone was more than just a gifted artist, but also a courageous fighter for civil rights and for human rights.

"I established this foundation to raise money for those lifelong causes that have always been important to her. I want others to see how one woman's courageous fight and vanguard life can make an impact that will continue long after her death."

Kelly has also arranged two memorial services for her mother; one at Harlem, New York's renowned ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH on 26 July (03), and another in Culver City, California, on 9 August (03).