Richard Morton Jack Talks Singer Songwriter Nick Drake the Genius, Tragedy & the Truth Behind the Music

Episode 17,   Dec 13, 2023, 01:35 PM

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Music biographer, reviewer, and co-founder of elvinyl.com Richard Morton Jack joins host Jeremy Thomas to discuss 'Nick Drake: The Life' and much more.
Many people thought that Nick Drake was going to be hugely successful in the 1970s. His three albums were all critically acclaimed, yet did not sell. Tragically, he took his own life when he was 26. However, ever since his death, his popularity has continually increased throughout the world. This episode sets the record straight on unanswered questions about Nick Drake’s private life and his demise. Was it possible he had severe depression or schizophrenia? Was it possible he was going to marry someone? What would have happened to his mental health had he been alive today?
Thanks to the unfettered access to private correspondence, tapes, university friends, family friends, and female acquaintances, Richard Morton Jack sympathetically but objectively unveils Nick Drake's private life, medical history and much more.

Nick Drake was supposed to be a star. A Cambridge-educated, prodigiously talented songwriter, he released three critically acclaimed albums—Five Leaves Left, Bryter Layter, and Pink Moon—yet never saw commercial success in his lifetime. At just 26, he tragically took his own life.

Music biographer and El vinyl boss Richard Morton Jack joins host Jeremy Thomas to dive deep into Drake’s lyrics, mental health, and the unanswered questions that linger decades after his passing. Was he struggling with severe depression or schizophrenia? Did he have romantic prospects we never knew about? And in today’s world, would his story have ended differently?

With unprecedented access to private letters, recordings, and firsthand accounts from friends, family, and those closest to him, this episode sets the record straight on the mystery, music, and mind of Nick Drake.