Robert Kirby British rock musician Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Robert Kirby
2. The Collaboration with Nick Drake
3. Expanding His Career
4. Personal Life and Legacy

Biography of Robert Kirby

Robert Kirby is a British rock musician and talented arranger, best known for his work with musician Nick Drake. He began his musical journey while studying at Cambridge University, where he was a member of a band called "The Gentle Power of Song". It was during his time at the university that he met Paul Weller, who introduced him to emerging popular artist Nick Drake. Kirby would go on to collaborate with Drake for many years, making significant contributions to albums such as "Five Leaves Left" and "Bryter Layter".

The Collaboration with Nick Drake

In 1968, while working on the album "Five Leaves Left", Nick Drake had ongoing disagreements with his producer Joe Boyd. After another argument about arrangements, Drake brought a young Robert Kirby into the studio. Initially, the producer shrugged, but upon hearing Kirby's work, he was amazed. Although Kirby declined to arrange the central track "River Man", which was done by Harry Robinson, all the other orchestral arrangements on the successful album were done by him. The album's release in 1969 brought success to both Nick Drake and Robert Kirby.

Expanding His Career

Following the success with Drake, Robert Kirby's reputation as a talented arranger spread in the music industry, and he began receiving offers to collaborate with various artists. Some notable musicians he worked with include Elton John, Ralph McTell, Elvis Costello, and many more. Throughout his life, Kirby participated in the recording of over forty musical albums. However, his name remained relatively unknown to the public, as his contributions were mostly behind the scenes. Kirby also gained experience playing keyboards for the band "Strawbs" and explored commercial music.

Personal Life and Legacy

Robert Kirby has a son named Henry Kirby, who is also a musician. His rock band "The Absolutes" has been successful in London. Despite his significant contributions to the music industry, Robert Kirby's name is not widely known, but his work continues to be appreciated by fellow musicians and music enthusiasts alike.