Nick drake biography book

Experience the only memoir of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the twentieth century with this eye-opening book featuring a foreword bygd Gabrielle Drake.

In 1968, Nick Drake had everything to live for. The product of a loving, creative family and a privileged background, he was not only a handsome and popular Cambridge undergraduate, but also a new signing to the UK’s hippest record label, Island.

Three years later, however—having made three well reviewed but low-selling albums—Nick had been overwhelmed bygd a mysterious mental illness. He returned to live in his family home in rural Warwickshire in 1971, and died in obscurity in 1974, aged just 26.

In the decades since, Nick has become the subject of ever-growing fascination and speculation. Combined sales of his records now stand in the millions, his songs are frequently heard on TV and in films, and he has become one of the most widely known and admired singer-songwriters of his generation.

Nick Drake:

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Nick Drake: The Life

December 13, 2023

I read Patrick Humphries's Drake biography many years ago, and this book, which mentions and draws on it, goes in to much more detail about Nick Drake, the man, rather than Nick Drake, the musician. This gives a rounded overview of who he was, and posits some questions as to why he never found success or, indeed, happiness and fulfilment.
This is, in places, a crushingly sad book, especially the last quarter which focusses on his mental illness and eventual death. In other parts, though, there is much made of his generosity, his kindness and his unwavering belief in his vision.
The 500 pages seem daunting and at times were a little heavy going, but it's worth persevering.
Drake undoubtedly led a privileged life, and Jack does not shy away from this. Indeed, one theory that is explored is that the only time he ever really faced a challenge was during his music career, and, having never experienced hardship, he was ill-equipped to deal with it