Nick Drake cover art

Nick Drake

The Life

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Nick Drake

By: Richard Morton Jack, Gabrielle Drake - foreword
Narrated by: Richard Morton Jack, Gabrielle Drake
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About this listen

The full life of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the twentieth century, with a Foreword by his sister 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.

Includes a foreword by Gabrielle Drake.

©2023 Richard Morton Jack (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity

Critic Reviews

"This is the book we've been waiting for - the one Nick's legacy deserves and so badly needs. Richard Morton Jack has reconstructed Nick's life with great sensitivity and care, and in remarkable detail. It is a biography to be treasured." (Joe Boyd)
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This biography of Nick Drake is a joy (even thought the final third is almost unbearably sad). Highest recommendation, especially for anyone who loves Nick’s three albums or is interested in the period when they were recorded in London.

Brilliant

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Could not recommend more highly. Just a word of warning - it’ll break your heart x

Exceptional

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A perfect book. My only criticism would be that at the end the full length of From the Morning had been played.

Marvellous

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With this exceptionally detailed, respectful and beautifully written book, Richard Morton Jack has succeeded in presenting Nick Drake- ‘the man behind the myth’
while simultaneously cementing Nick’s mythical status as a visionary musician and poet. The love and dedication of Nick’s family and friends throughout his life and particularly during his heartbreaking final years is a testament both to their humanity and to his. I hope with this book that Nick’s extensive network of fans across the world can finally formulate and consolidate his legacy and lay his memory to rest while finding an even deeper appreciation for his music.

Extraordinary

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This book is the bomb. It's a pleasure listening to the voices of the author, Richard Morton Jack, and Nick's sister, Gabrielle Drake.

Told in a linear style starting from the "twinkle in the eye", we learn about Nick's capable and supportive father, musical mother and talented sister who became a famous actress. Nick's school years give a strong foundation to the story, and the factors that went into Nick's choices.

The story spends a lot of time in Swinging London, and really makes you feel like you are there with Nick, as he starts playing in bands and lands an amazing record contract at the age of 20.

But the book is like a time bomb, most of us know how the story ends, and being part of this experience towards the end is tough. It was so tough that I immediately started the book again so I could be back with Nick when he was at the height of his genius, and enjoy the good times once more.

Like hanging out with Nick Drake

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By writing about the last period of Nick’s life, in which he struggled with his mental health, in such detail (at times hard to listen to), I feel that Nick’s story as told here will give the same kind of comfort that his music gives many people-that they aren’t alone. Thank you for writing about this period with such honesty and such writing can only help to destigmatise the mental health conversation. The reading itself of the book was also very engaging.

Brilliant

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Having heard his song ‘One of these things first’ in a Will Smith movie. We became instant fans and have since added many of his songs to our favourites playlist. This book is such a gift as we learn more about this amazing man. Thank you for producing it so beautifully, I feel we know him so well.

We discovered Nick’s music just recently

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the narration, the detail, the sensitivity given to the subject, the pace...Just didn't want it to end.

Worth every cent, and then some.

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This book is thorough, detailed and lovingly written. It gives such insight into Nick’s life and work, with aneqdotes and reflections from friends and family, as well as excerpts from letters both to and from Nick.
(The audiobook’s narrator is really good)
I thought it particularly well balanced when it comes to not over-interpreting his songs or influences, yet giving information about the times and places in his life of composition, and what records and artists he was listening to at that time.
Nick’s humour is something which is particularly well presented, as well as his style and guitar-playing.
The book is startingly open and frank about some of the thoughest subjects, such as Nick’s personal life and eventual mental illness. I am so impressed by how the author manages to yet again present information and details while not delving into interpretations, nor making the reader/listener end up doing the same. We are placed as spectators to the whole conundrum of his life and eventual illness and struggle.
It is so important that mental illness not be romanticized - I was not aware of how long Nick was suffering and to what degree. It is heartbreaking, and an important and educational story to be told. The patience, love and support by his family is apprent throughout his life, and deserves to be recognized.
All in all, I am very impressed by this biography, both in terms of writing and content - it is the best I’ve read, with such respect and apparent understanding of its task and subject.

Superb in every way! A must-read!

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As one who has benefited greatly from Nicks music and possibly steered away from a similar fate by the sympathy and communion of his songs I recommend this book. It is a thorough account of an incredible and singular artist.
A devoted loving family dealing with mental illness at a time when there was little understanding.
Ever since I first heard Nicks music I was touched deeply, this book gives me a little insight as to why but there always remains the mystery which is a large part of his genius.
Hooray to Nick Drake

A work of integrity befitting an artist of great depth and brilliance.

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