So if we’re going to talk distinctive voices there’s quite frankly only one that is more superior than most. Now, my opinion on this is more than likely going to be biased due to the fact that this goddess of a woman was once part of my second favourite band ever in the history of bands. She was part of a movement that, at the time was truly wonderful. But now? Most under the age of 20 that listen to this band are culturally starved and self absorbed fools who take photos of themselves with their camera phone in shot. Oh and whilst they do this they complain of how fat they are when they weigh about 4 stone.

This isn’t going the way it should, but I don’t want to delete that paragraph because it is true. These woe-is-me hipster kids don’t know much, they’ve not lived. I mean I’m nearly 25, but I don’t claim to have lived much. I exist, and when life improves- I’ll go from existing to living.

I should really make my point rather than going on. I guess I’ve just got a lot to say.

Christa Päffgen quite simply had the most distinctive voices, ever. Seriously, ever. Okay so you may know her as Nico. The model, actress, singer, mother, daughter- regardless. She had talent. More than you have and more than I have. She had SUCH powerful voice. Husky at times and seductively deep. The way she sang on The Velvet Underground’s debut album just gripped me. It’s my favourite debut album ever; Nico’s vocals are a huge reason as to why I love it so much.

It’s not just her work with Velvet Underground that gripped me so; her solo work is equally as gorgeous.

My mum always seemed to play singers around the house that had strong voices. Voices that sounded like no other from Bob Dylan to Billie Holiday, I was blessed to hear them all. Joan Baez to Grace Slick, I had a healthy consumption of stunning music whilst growing up. I like to think I’ve honoured all my mum taught me about music by continuing to listen to music that can be held up against its predecessors.

Nico’s deep voice evidently inspired so many. Her sound wasn’t Punk, soul, pop, rock, folk or funk. It was her own. At best, I suppose if you want to label it- it was highly experimental. At the time, no other singer had this kind of voice. The way her voice complimented Lou Reed’s was just utterly stunning.

Before she met Lou and the rest of The Velvet Underground, she was a solo artist and before that she was a model. Now, as I’m no expert in the modelling department, I’m going to focus on her music. Not that I’m an expert in music, but you know what I mean.

Nico’s first solo single was the insanely wonderful, I’m Not Sayin’. I adore this song so much, for so many reasons. It’s just highly captivating and so moving. It’s such a beautiful, honest and heartbreaking song. Read the lyrics, you’re not human if you cannot relate to the lyrics at all. Oh, and Morrissey digs this song a whole lot too. Anyone that has seen him live with has been exposed to the glorious videos he plays before he comes on stage, and this is one of them.

Her first album, Chelsea Girl was released in 1967, which is the same name of the Warhol film Nico appeared in.

Before she released her debut solo album, she recorded one album with The Velvet Underground- yes the one with the banana on. Quite simply the best debut album ever.

Her voice on Femme Fatale always amazes me, it doesn’t matter how many times I listen to it. Each time feels like I am listening to it for the first time. That’s when you know a band have something truly special.

Hard to believe that at the time, this album was basically ignored.

You’d think that when an artist puts out a solo album they are free to do what they want. Say if they are in a heavy metal band, then can release an opera solo album if they wish. Why? Because they have no one to answer to and they can do whatever they wish.

Sadly, this wasn’t the case for Nico. She wanted more drums and guitars on her solo albums. What did she get? Flutes. Lots and lots of FLUTES! It broke her heart.

Her next two albums, Desertshore and The End had less flutes and more synths. Drama of Exile was the first album she recorded without John Cale (The Velvet Underground.) Her final album, Camera Obscura, however did feature John Cale on the album’s title track and he also produced the album.

Her take on My Funny Valentine is easily one of the darkest versions of the song recorded. There was so much pain in Nico’s voice on this song.

With such a distinctive voice and a catalogue of remarkable albums, it is no wonder that Nico has influenced so many artists. She never had an act; she was just true to herself and her art. The best kind never make compromises, they do what feels right to them. That’s how it should always be, no matter whom you are and what you do.

She’s influenced the likes of Bat For Lashes, Siouxsie Sioux, Bauhaus, Patti Smith and Morrissey. All of which have always stayed true to their art. Her delicate but powerful performances have influenced so many, more recently- Florence Welch.

A talent like Nico’s is extremely rare, voices as powerful as hers do not come around often, it’s just a shame it took her death for people to actually see how talented she truly was. She wasn’t just another girl in a Warhol film nor was she just another model. She had a gift, a rare talent. Something we hope and dream of having. Her voice had so much in it, and the pain you could feel in certain songs just made you connect with her in a way you’ll probably never feel again. You’ve probably only felt it when listening to Billie Holiday or Janis Joplin.

“I find it hard to believe you don’t know, the beauty you are. But if you don’t let me be your eyes, a hand in your darkness, so you won’t be afraid.”