I was introduced to Nick Drake - many, many years after he died, by my son. I did not know of him at the time he was recording, etc. even though I was very involved with Folk Music and knew Fairport, etc. and lived in the same area as them.
I find his stuff "interesting" and I am sorry about the circumstances of his demise, but I am sure if he had lived, he would not be classed the Icon he is now portrayed.
As Will Fly suggests, there have been very many other performers who flowered and then came to nought who were just as good who we don't laud over.

Tim Radford