27. Nina’s performances and recordings also attracted the attention of a music label
Nina proved so popular at the Midtown that she was in demand all over the East Coast. A recording of one of her shows at a club called New Hope in Philadelphia fell into the hands of Sid Nathan, who owned the jazz label Bethlehem Records, and in 1957 Nina recorded a few songs with him. Nathan offered her a record deal, but Nina refused to be told what to play and record, which led to some fiery arguments. The notoriously stubborn Nina ultimately overcame Nathan’s resistance, and her subsequent career proved her absolutely correct!