Feeling Good

The surprising history behind a track made famous by Nina Simone.

Feeling Good was written for a now obscure musical and originally performed by Cy Grant, the first black man to appear regularly on British TV.

Cy Grant's daughter, Samantha Moxon, describes her father's extraordinary life from Prisoner of War camp to a successful career in the arts.

The composer, Neil Brand, discusses why the song has gone on to transcend the almost forgotten musical it was created for.

Other speakers are Sam Reynolds, who says the track helped her through challenging times, and musician, Kirsten Lamb, who sings a simplified version with young children at a homelessness project in Massachusetts.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact

Producer: Karen Gregor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2020.