It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Crys Armbrust. Crys was a prominent keeper of Nina Simone’s flame in her hometown of Tryon, NC.
He spearheaded the creation of the statue of Nina by Zenos Frudakis and the construction of the Nina Simone Plaza in downtown Tryon, where her statue now sits. Without Crys, this beautiful tribute to the High Priestess would likely not exist.
Crys fought passionately to save and restore Nina’s childhood home, now designated as a protected National Treasure – thanks in large part to his efforts.
Crys founded the Nina Simone Project charitable organization, through which he awarded music scholarships and developed plans for the building of the Nina Simone Archive in her hometown.
Crys was an accomplished classically trained organist/composer and was commissioned twice by Queen Elizabeth II. The immense impact that Dr. Crys Armbrust had and will continue to have on Nina Simone’s legacy will never be forgotten.
He spearheaded the creation of the statue of Nina by Zenos Frudakis and the construction of the Nina Simone Plaza in downtown Tryon, where her statue now sits. Without Crys, this beautiful tribute to the High Priestess would likely not exist.
Crys fought passionately to save and restore Nina’s childhood home, now designated as a protected National Treasure – thanks in large part to his efforts.
Crys founded the Nina Simone Project charitable organization, through which he awarded music scholarships and developed plans for the building of the Nina Simone Archive in her hometown.
Crys was an accomplished classically trained organist/composer and was commissioned twice by Queen Elizabeth II. The immense impact that Dr. Crys Armbrust had and will continue to have on Nina Simone’s legacy will never be forgotten.
