Born: 19 June 1948 · Died: 25 November 1974 · Age at death: 26
How old was Nick Drake when he died?
Nick Drake died aged 26. He was born on 19 June 1948 and died on 25 November 1974.
Quick facts
Date of birth19 June 1948
Date of death25 November 1974
Age at death26
NationalityEnglish
BirthplaceYangon, British rule in Myanmar
Editor's Take:
Drake shows that commercial failure and lasting influence can coexist. His records were quiet and carefully made, and they sat awkwardly beside the louder acts of the early 1970s. What endured was the craft: self-taught guitar in unusual tunings and lyrics rooted in nature and the seasons. Island kept the albums in its catalogue, which gave later listeners a chance to find them. Musicians including Kate Bush, Paul Weller and Bon Iver have since cited his influence. His reputation took years to catch up with the work.
Key Milestones
1968: Offered a contract by Joe Boyd's Witchseason Productions
1969: Releases debut album Five Leaves Left
1972: Completes Pink Moon, then withdraws from performing and recording
1974: Returns to the studio for final recordings with John Wood
1974: Dies at his parents' home, Far Leys, aged 26
Nicholas Rodney Drake (19 June 1948 – 25 November 1974) was an English musician. An accomplished acoustic guitarist, Drake signed to Island Records at the age of twenty while still a student at the University of Cambridge.
