15. Though she disagreed with his methods, Nina performed a song written by a member of her band, Why? (The King of Love is Dead), in tribute to Martin Luther King
After her performance at the Selma to Montgomery March, Nina met Martin Luther King onstage. Their exchange highlighted the fundamental difference between the pair’s outlook on the Civil Rights movement: ‘I’m not nonviolent!’, she greeted the doctor, referring to King’s policy of peaceful protest and resistance. She admired King, nonetheless, and when he was tragically murdered in 1968, Nina’s bassist, Gene Taylor, immediately composed Why? (The King of Love is Dead) in tribute. Three days later, Nina performed the moving track at the Westbury Music Festival, Long Island, perfectly capturing the nation’s widespread horror at King’s death.
