Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Nico

Nico (1938 - 1988) was born in Cologne, her real name was Christa Päffgen. At the age of 16 she met a photographer called Herbert Tobias while they were both were working at a fashion show in Berlin. It was Herbert who suggested she change her name to Nico. She got a job modelling for Vogue magazine and moved to Paris and then to New York. In 1963 Nico appears in two films, Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and Jacques Poitrenaud’s Strip-Tease. In 65 she took singing lessons and began collaborating with English musicians such as Jimmy Page and Brian Jones. It was Jones who introduced her to Andy Warhol which led to her singing three songs on the very highly regarded The Velvet Underground & Nico album. Nico recorded many solo records that inspired musicians such as The Cure, Patti Smith, Morrissey, Björk, Joy Division, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Several biographies about Nico’s life has been published and in 2019 Maxine Peake portrayed her in a play called The Nico Project.
Above: Nico by Daisy de Villeneuve

Above: Nico by Team Beswick and Pye

Above: Nico by Ritchie Lamy
Above: Nico #1 by Francis Macdonald

Above: Nico #2 by Francis Macdonald

Above: Nico by Sandra Turnbull
Femme - Her Anthem is the 14th charity album by the Specialized Project It is a vibrant celebration of legendary female songwriters, reimagined through the energetic and rhythmic lens of Ska music. Featuring exclusive tracks by Ska bands from around the globe, the album unites international talent to honour the groundbreaking contributions of iconic women in music history.
With each band lending its unique style and interpretation, the album pays homage to diverse eras and genre within a Ska or Reggae interpretations, highlighting the creative legacy of female artists who have shaped music over the years. Proceeds from this album support important charitable causes, making it not only a tribute but a meaningful contribution to social good.



Nigel Planer & The Values will be recording a cover of Nico's Femme Fatale (in a ska style)


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