Nico

Nico

German singer, actress and model
Date of Birth: 19.08.1938
Country: Germany

Content:
  1. Biography of Nico
  2. Early Career
  3. Collaboration with Andy Warhol
  4. Continued Career

Biography of Nico


Introduction

Nico was a German singer, actress, and model, best known for her hypnotic monotone vocals. She emerged onto the American music scene in the mid-60s and made her first appearance at a concert of the New York-based band Velvet Underground. At the time, the band was part of Andy Warhol's project called "The Exploding Plastic Inevitable," which Warhol described as a "musical-graphic show of the new American revolution that aims to liberate the souls and consciousness of the stagnating establishment."

Early Career

Nico's creative career began in Paris, where she worked as a model. She ventured into pop music in the early 60s, not due to any particular talent, but rather through her close friendship with Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones. Jones introduced Nico to the producer of his band, Andrew Loog Oldham, who organized the recording of her debut single, "The Last Mile," in 1965. The producer, arranger, and co-author of the single was the future member of Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page.

Collaboration with Andy Warhol

In 1966, Nico found herself in New York City, where she met Andy Warhol. He immediately invited her to play the lead role in his modernist film, "Chelsea Girl." The soundtrack of the film became Nico's debut album. During this time, she also had a small role in Federico Fellini's film, "La Dolce Vita." Warhol introduced her to Lou Reed and John Cale of Velvet Underground, and she seamlessly integrated into the band's lineup. Their debut album was even titled "The Velvet Underground and Nico." However, Nico eventually chose to pursue her own artistic freedom, leading to her departure from the band.

Continued Career

Despite her split from Velvet Underground, Nico maintained friendly connections with Lou Reed and John Cale. Their songs became the core of her next album, and a young Jackson Browne became her constant accompanying musician.

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