Anne Key Simpson was born and grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music at Texas Women’s University, specializing in piano. After teaching piano for many years, she joined the Music Department staff at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) as an accompanist in 1966. She would serve the university for twenty years before retiring.

Ms. Simpson began a new career during her retirement. She began studying the works of African American writers and composers, including Florence Price, Cynthia Crawford, Harry T. Burleigh, and Ernest J. Gaines. These studies led to various publications, including articles, essays, books, and presentations at professional conferences. During her retirement period, Ms. Simpson also composed musical pieces for voice and instruments. One such piece was commissioned for the Louisiana Music Teachers Association.

Ms. Simpson married Dr. Amos Simpson, history professor at USL, in 1945, though the marriage ended in divorce. The couple had one daughter. Ms. Simpson passed away on December 24, 2005 at the age of 81 in Lafayette, LA.