Nick Drake

British musician

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Lived 1948–1974, aged 26United Kingdom

United Kingdom MusiciansSinger / Musician

Wikipedia
45 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
1948–1974
Aged 26
Known for
Girl with a Pearl Earr…
2003

Summary

Updated 2026-06-09

An English guitarist whose three albums in the early seventies sold almost nothing, then died at twenty-six — and became, decades later, one of the most quietly revered figures in folk music.

Biography

About

Nicholas Rodney Drake signed to Island Records at twenty while still at Cambridge and released Five Leaves Left in 1969. Two more albums followed: Bryter Layter in 1971 and Pink Moon in 1972. He suffered from depression, avoided live performance, and after Pink Moon withdrew entirely, retreating to his parents' home in rural Warwickshire. On 25 November 1974, he died from an overdose of antidepressants. The 1979 retrospective Fruit Tree allowed his work to be reassessed; the first biography appeared in 1997, followed by two documentary films at the turn of the century.

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Nick Drake

Nick Drake

said1969

Time has told meYou're a rare, rare find, A troubled cure for a troubled mind.

— Time Has Told Me

Nick Drake

said1969

So I'll leave the ways that are making me beWhat I really don't want to be. Leave the ways that are making me loveWhat I really don't want to love.

— Time Has Told Me

Nick Drake

said1969

Going to see the river man, Going to tell him all I canAbout the planFor lilac time. If he tells me all he knows'Bout the way his river flows, And all night showsIn summertime.

— River Man

Nick Drake

said1969

Going to see the river man. Going to tell him all I canAbout the banOn feeling free. If he tells me all he knowsAbout the way his river flows, I don't supposeIt's meant for me.

— River Man

Nick Drake

said1969