Nick Drake

The Life

By: Richard Morton Jack, Gabrielle Drake - introduction

Narrated by: Richard Morton Jack, Gabrielle Drake

Experience the only memoir of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the twentieth century with this eye-opening book featuring a foreword by 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 by 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: The Life is the only biography of Nick to be written with the blessing and involvement of his sister and estate. Drawing on copious original research and new interviews with his family, friends, and musical collaborators, as well as deeply personal archive material unavailable to previous writers—including his father’s diaries, his essays, and private correspondence—this is the most comprehensive and authoritative account possible of Nick’s short and enigmatic life.

Critic reviews

"This is the book we've been waiting for . . . It is a biography to be treasured."—Joe Boyd

Absolutely loved this

I recently found Nick Drake’s music and fell in love. I really enjoyed this book, and it helped to give me a better understanding of who Nick was.

Can relate to some of his struggles

Thorough and enjoyable listen about Nick’s short but magical life. Someone is quoted as saying, “Nick Drake could not see himself as a sick man.” Feeling grateful today that I did and avoided the oblivion Nick talked and sung about.

The author kept the reader riveted throughout.

What a sad but beautiful story of a gentle genius who continues to touch lives with exquisite music that touches the soul.

Thorough and sensitive work on the life of a songwriting genius.

An excellent work detailing the short but meaningful life of a unique and masterful songwriter. Much time is rightfully devoted to Island Records’ failure to adequately promote Nick’s music and Nick’s unwillingness or inability perform. In the end,however, it probably would not have mattered. It was Nick’s mental illness that prevented his performances and, had he achieved and fame, would have prevented him from coping with that as well. Sadly, Nock lived in a time when mental illness was a stigma and treatment was in its infancy. Thank you Nick for your timeless music. Rest in peace.

Thank you, Richard Morton Jack

Beautifully read by the author, thoughtful, deeply researched and a true gift to many fans. My curiosity and hunger for Nick Drake may not be fully satiated, but this biography provides so many places to alight and pause and look up and listen to a song and then continue… just a real tribute. Thank you.