His trademark of breathy vocals over delicate acoustic melodies, with the occasional flourish of strings added has never been accurately copied by any other artist, although he has influenced many. Lyrical themes such as melancholy, failed romance, mortality, and stifling depression only add to the air of doomed beauty that runs through his music.
Always a reluctant live performer, Drake failed to attract a large audience thoughout his brief career. He originally developed his personal style during his University years, and was spotted by a member of Fairport Convention at a gig in Cambridge. After being recommended to renowned producer Joe Boyd, Drake impressed him enough to obtain a contract with Island Records.
Drake's debut, Five Leaves Left (1969) featured Pentangle bassist Danny Thompson and was full of haunting songs embellished by Baroque strings. Whilst the lyrics hinted at melancholy, the uplifting melodies and Drake's calm voice ensure the album doesn't wallow in its own depression. The second album, Bryter Later (1970), was more upbeat with a slightly jazzy feel to some tracks, and featured members of Fairport Convention.
Neither album sold well, and consequently Drake plunged into serious depression that paralysed him musically, and on some occasions physically. He managed to produce another album, Pink Moon (1972), which reflected Drake's recent mood and is one of the bleakest albums recorded in the history of rock. The record label were surprised to receive this album however, as Drake had not informed them that he was recording anything, and he simply left the tapes at Island's Reception desk and walked away. He only recorded a few more songs before his death two years later, which eventually surfaced on the posthumous compilation 'Time of No Reply'.
After another couple of years grappling with his depression, he died at his parents' home from an overdose of antidepressant medication on November 26 1974. It is unknown whether this was intentional or simply an accident, and those close to Drake feel that depressed as he was, he did not want to die.
Many since have spoken in awe of Drake's songwriting, with artists such as Placebo and Paul Weller being particularly vocal in their admiration.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE NICK DRAKE: Incredible String Band, Van Morrison, Richard Thompson, John Martyn, Leonard Cohen, Roy Harper, Bert Jansch, Jeff Buckley, Beth Orton, Paul Weller, Placebo, Elliot Smith, Scott Walker.