The Parts You Don't Hear - Nick Drake

Today, Sunday 25th November 2018 marks 44 years since the death of Nick Drake. When he died he was virtually unknown but those few who knew him were wowed by his incredible guitar playing, his laconic but melodic vocal style and his unique song-writing.

Ashley Hutchings, Joe Boyd, Richard Thompson, Simon Nicol, Dave Mattacks, Dave Pegg, John Wood, Andrew Scheps and Linda Thompson all share there thoughts on Drake's legacy.

Thanks to the Keith Morris Archive.

Music by Colourmusic.

[JesseWright]

It's a pity that Drake never knew the lasting effect his music would have.

[deirdrecaskenette]

Only in the last couple of years did I come to hear of Nick. And that was because through genealogy I discovered that we were related! His great grandmother was my grandfather's sister!

[jutta]

First time I heard "Pink Moon" I was so stunned I had to replay the album five times in a row....

[duanetrivett]

I only discovered Nick a little over a year ago and I just turned 62yrs old . I am a American Guitar player and also had bouts of depression so I feel so sorry for Nick .
Five leaves left is my Favorite Album but the rest are good also !
Not to say cliche things but Nick is a one of a kind .
I wished he knew how much his music has touched people.
R.I.P. Nick .

[andyj]

Before there was Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, there was this guy. I remember buying Bryter Layter at a gas station CD bin back in 2010 simply because I remember seeing his Nick's name listed on the Garden State soundtrack - that was the extent of my knowledge of Nick Drake. I thought Nick Drake was a more recent artist based on his sound. It didn't seem to have a specific date to it; Nick was very much his own voice. It wasn't until later that I realized he was from the late 60's and learned about his tragic career and death, which only made his work even more interesting to me. Ten years later and his work is still a common returning point of enjoyment and reflection.

[huhhuh]

He's music makes me smile and cry at the same time.

[rmcellig]

I discover Nick's music in 1975. I was in a record store and loved the cover of Five Leaves Left. I had no idea who Nick was. I knew that I loved the cover. Little did I know that I would be introduced to a musician that would change my life forever. I think his music is more relevant regarding the covid19 epidemic. There is something about Nick's lyrics that I can't describe. Every night when my wife and I listen to him, we are always discovering something new. No one else like him and I am so honored to listen to him after all these years. A very special person!

[muriel]

I just discovered Nick Drake and I can honestly say he’s changed my life. I can barely get through the day without listening to a playlist of him...I often break down and cry

[EmilieBee]

I grew up hearing Nick Drake on my parents’ favorite radio station all the time. His music became synonymous with peaceful mornings with family. When I got older and decided I wanted to learn about him, I was eager to see the type of man he was - and was so absolutely gutted when I read how he died. I cried, to know that his music meant so much to me and so many others and he never knew. Tears falling just now thinking of that moment. Like losing a friend I never had. Thank you, Nick.

[tracik]

Riverman is my favourite song of all time. I only discovered it in 2018, and I am not young.

[lindahandley]

I imagine what more magic he could have created, but thank goodness he left us this much. I miss someone I never even knew. 🖤

[lastrada]

Not to take anything away from Nick (who I thoroughly enjoy) but after hearing an obscure cassette of his own mother singing decades ago at the home piano (a song she composed). I can see where Nick got his style, his tonality, phrasing & intonation. It's his Mom & Nick refined it & made it his own. And brought it to us.

But...a belated thanks to his Mom also. She left Nick something he used wisely. (Is this my opinion? No. It was mentioned in a Nick Drake documentary by family members...it may have even been Nick's own sister).

[sokaikat]

Nick writes his own eulogy on Fruit Tree. It's incredible to think someone could write like this at only 20 years old.

[mei_mercado]

i discovered Nick Drake in early 2000's when i heard his song, Northern Sky, played in the background on the last part of the movie, Serendipity. I fell deeply inlove with his voice and with the way he sung, and every details of the song feels magic. But i felt really sad when i learned that his music got the appreciation only when his not around already.. it was really a heart breaking story for me 💔

[surfwriter]

These comments of praise for Nick Drake are obviously deep and sincere, but I would have appreciated even more than in this brief clip. In any case, Nick Drake remains a unique, powerful, solitary, mournful, heartache of a singer and guitar player--beautiful melancholy in such a resonant, rich voice.

[xtx]

Pink Moon is an album reserved for the most isolated moments of emotion. Its unspeakable how much of an enigma it is

[AbdulRashidCovers]

What an excellent musician. Great video

[alleykeosheyan]

Totally agree with what the lady at 2:20 said! I happened upon "Pink Moon" in the soundtrack from a movie ("The Way" with Martin Sheen) and was struck by how fresh, unguarded, and CONTEMPORARY he sounded. Imagine how shocked I was to find out the album came out 50 years ago?!!? Even sadder to learn that he left this world so young.

[Goatchild]

One of my favourite singer/songwriters of all time

[gargoyled_drake]

Nick Drake would have been such a great father. I wish he could have overcome the feeling of not being good enough.