Nick Drake

A singular talent who passed almost unnoticed during his brief lifetime, Nick Drake produced three studio albums of sombre beauty: FIVE LEAVES LEFT (1969), BRYTER LAYTER (1970), and PINK MOON (1972). It's impossible to keep count of the contemporary artists who cite Drake as an inspiration, but a cursory round-up includes R.E.M., Paul Weller, Travis, Portishead, The Coral, Coldplay, David Gray, Super Furry Animals and Beth Orton. Along with household names of his creative lifetime - the Stones, The Beatles, Marley, Hendrix - his albums have become an unofficial set text for anyone passionate about music.