Nico, born Christa Päffgen in 1938 in Germany, was a singer, songwriter, model, and actress. She rose to fame in the 1960s as a fashion model and appeared in films by Federico Fellini. Nico is best known for her work with the Velvet Underground on their debut album, produced by Andy Warhol. Her solo music career explored avant-garde, experimental, and gothic sounds, marked by her deep voice and use of harmonium. Nico led a turbulent life and passed away in 1988, but she remains a significant figure in underground and alternative music history.