BIOGRAPHY
Nico, born Christa Päffgen on October 16, 1938, in Cologne, Germany, and died on July 18, 1988, was a singer, songwriter, actress, and model. She is best known for her collaboration with the Velvet Underground, an experimental rock group associated with Andy Warhol. Nico joined the group for their first album "The Velvet Underground & Nico" released in 1967, which has since gained classic status, notably for iconic tracks like "Femme Fatale" and "All Tomorrow’s Parties".
After leaving the Velvet Underground, Nico launched a solo career with albums such as "Chelsea Girl" (1967) and "The Marble Index" (1969), which explored darker and more avant-garde musical territories, marked by her deep and melancholic vocals and her unique use of the harmonium. Her solo works did not achieve significant commercial success, but they were praised for their artistic daring and have influenced numerous artists in post-punk and gothic music circles.
Besides her musical career, Nico worked as a model and actress, appearing in several films before fully focusing on music. Her life was marked by personal struggles, including addiction issues and tumultuous relationships. Nico died of a cerebral hemorrhage in 1988. Despite a often tragic life, Nico remains a cult figure, renowned for her unique approach to music and her enduring impact on art and culture.