Podcast Summary: A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode: PLEDGE WEEK: “Fruit Tree” by Nick Drake
Host: Andrew Hickey
Release Date: July 25, 2025

Introduction

In this special Pledge Week episode, host Andrew Hickey delves into the life and music of the enigmatic British singer-songwriter Nick Drake. Originally intended as a Patreon bonus episode, "Fruit Tree" explores Drake's profound yet tragically short-lived impact on the folk and rock music scenes from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. The episode offers a comprehensive look at Drake's background, musical journey, collaborations, mental health struggles, and his posthumous rise to acclaim.

Content Warning: This episode discusses themes of mental illness and suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners.

Early Life and Background

Nick Drake was born in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar) in 1948, a child of the British Empire's privileged class. His father was an engineer for the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation, and his mother, Molly Drake, was the daughter of Sir Idwald Geoffrey Lloyd, a notable figure in the Indian civil service. This affluent upbringing set Drake apart from many of his contemporaries in the music industry.

At the age of three, Drake's family relocated to England, bringing along their Burmese servant, Noah Rosie Parr, who cared for Nick and his sister, Gabrielle, throughout his life. Gabrielle achieved fame as an actress, starring in series like The Brothers and UFO. Molly Drake, a songwriter herself, recorded private songs that were later released, showcasing her influence on Nick's musical development.

Andrew Hickey [03:17]: “Nick Drake came from a background that was very different from almost every other musician we've covered in the podcast...”

Musical Beginnings

From a young age, Drake demonstrated a keen interest in music. He began writing songs in his early childhood and took up piano lessons encouraged by his mother. By age eleven, he was expressing aspirations to join the music business, inspired in part by his French teacher, John Watson, who had penned the UK's entry for the 1960 Eurovision Song Contest.

Drake's musical tastes were diverse and eclectic, encompassing jazz, American folk revival, British jazz-influenced R&B, and British folk baroque guitarists such as Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. This wide-ranging palette informed his unique guitar style and songwriting.

Andrew Hickey [05:25]: “By the time he went off to Marlborough Public School... his musical tastes at the time were both impressive and eclectic.”

College Years and Early Performances

Drake attended Marlborough Public School, a prestigious boarding institution for the wealthy, where he further honed his musical skills. His proficiency with the clarinet and alto saxophone showcased his natural talent, though he eventually shifted focus to the guitar. During a gap year before attending Cambridge, Drake joined Les Cousins, a hub for British folk baroque musicians, deeply influencing his guitar technique.

His time in France marked the beginning of serious song-writing and included a memorable seance experience that would later inspire his song "Black Eyed Dog."

Andrew Hickey [11:09]: “He also went off with a couple of his school friends to France...”

Career Breakthrough and First Album: Five Leaves Left

Upon returning to the UK, Drake enrolled at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, despite academic struggles, leveraging his privileged background to gain admission. His encounter with Fairport Convention's Ashley Hutchings at a benefit concert was pivotal, leading to a connection with producer Joe Boyd. Boyd was instrumental in shaping Drake's first album, Five Leaves Left, named humorously after a type of Rizzler cigarette indication.

The album featured rich orchestral arrangements by Robert Kirby, reflecting Drake's desire for a Van Dyke Parks-inspired sound akin to Pet Sounds. Despite critical acclaim for its beauty and delicacy, Five Leaves Left received lukewarm commercial reception, selling poorly and receiving mediocre reviews.

Andrew Hickey [20:41]: “They wanted to do something similar, but Boyd couldn't arrange strings himself...”

Struggles with Live Performances and Promotion

Drake's discomfort with live performances, exacerbated by stage fright and technical challenges with his guitar tunings, hindered effective promotion of his music. His reluctance to engage with the press and minimal live appearances contributed to the album's lack of commercial success. Joe Boyd maintained faith in Drake's talent, providing financial support and seeking opportunities to promote his music, including recording demo versions with other artists.

Andrew Hickey [26:52]: “The album was gentle and beautiful and is rightly regarded now as a classic, but at the time it went almost completely unnoticed.”

Second Album: Bryter Layter

Drake's second album, Bryter Layter, aimed for a more commercial sound, incorporating full rock instrumentation. It featured contributions from members of Fairport Convention and the Incredible String Band. Despite these efforts, the album also struggled commercially, though it showcased Drake's evolving musical style.

Andrew Hickey [34:28]: “The album was definitely made with the intention of creating something commercial...”

Final Album: Pink Moon and Declining Mental Health

After Joe Boyd left Witch Season for Warner Bros., Drake took full creative control over his final album, Pink Moon. Recorded in just two sessions, the album is characterized by its stark minimalism and haunting beauty. While now hailed as a masterpiece, at the time, it was met with limited understanding and commercial disregard.

Shortly after Pink Moon, Drake's mental health deteriorated. Despite ongoing support from Boyd and his family, treatments available in the early 1970s proved ineffective. Drake became increasingly withdrawn, ceasing live performances and struggling with the physical and emotional toll of his illness.

Andrew Hickey [42:37]: “Pink Moon is like the Book of Revelation. It doesn't make sense and it's a manifestation of illness, of madness.”

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

Nick Drake tragically died by suicide at the age of 26. At the time of his death, his music had a minor following, with album sales barely reaching 5,000 copies. However, posthumously, Drake's work began to gain significant recognition. His influence permeated the music industry, inspiring artists like R.E.M., The Cure, and Kate Bush. Key moments in his rising fame include:

• 1979: Release of the box set Fruit Tree, which consolidated his albums and outtakes.
• 1980s: His music featured in popular media, such as the UK TV drama Heartbeat and a Volkswagen commercial, spiking album sales significantly.
• 1990s: Continued reassessment and acclaim, with Pink Moon often cited as a seminal work in folk and indie music.

Drake's resilience and enduring legacy serve as a poignant reminder of how true artistry can eventually find its audience, even if it means waiting beyond an artist's lifetime.

Andrew Hickey [48:03]: “Sometimes, just sometimes, they [things] do get better. And it's worth sticking around to see that happen.”

Conclusion

Andrew Hickey's exploration of Nick Drake's life reveals a musician whose profound talents were initially overlooked but have since come to be celebrated for their depth and beauty. Drake's story underscores the complexities of artistic recognition, the impact of mental health on creativity, and the enduring power of music to transcend time and circumstance.

Notable Quotes:

• Nick Drake [03:17]:
  "A seed carries a field of grain Love lies in the arms of change As a joy carries a pain and no one knows how wild the wind."

• Nick Drake [10:09]:
  "Highway Just keep on down walking to hear my guitar rocking While I stroll on down on down the highway People think I'm a crazy."

• Molly Drake [25:35]:
  "Far from their dying day, forgotten while yet remembered for a while, a much updated ruin from a much outdated style."

• Molly Drake [38:18]:
  "Take a look, you may see me on the ground For I am the parasite of this town but take a look, you may see me in the dirt For I am the parasite who hangs from your sky."

• Nick Drake [40:17]:
  "Bingamoon is on its way. None of you stand so dull."

• Nick Drake [48:03]:
  "Sway with these swell in the spell rocking rhythm of the sea Rock."

Final Thoughts:
Nick Drake's journey from obscurity to legendary status is a testament to the timeless nature of genuine music. His ability to convey profound emotion and intricate musicality ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with future generations.