Nick Drake (1948-1974)
English singer/songwriter Nick Drake had a short career, releasing just
three albums before his death at the age of 26. Two of those LPs were
not even released in the USA at the time, and Drake remained all but   unknown. The intervening years, however, have seen this remarkably
gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist become a true cult hero. (One of
his songs is even used, somewhat incongruously on a current television
commercial.) His three original albums are all available on CD, there
have been several posthumous releases, Drake has been the subject
of a biography, and a whole host of singer/songwriters now cite him
as an influence. A fine singer with a haunting quality to his voice and
delivery, he was a true original in both his songwriting and his guitar- playing. (He employed all sorts of odd tunings, giving his instrumental work a distinctive, unusual sound.) Unfortunately, Nick was plagued by depression, which not only sidetracked his career, but eventually led 
to his death... he died of an overdose of his medication, although it is
still not known if that was by accident or suicide. Regardless, Drake's
legacy and talent live on, and his music remains something special.

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