What is the name of the British male singer who sings very melancholy
songs?  He began his career in 1970 and his first name is either Tim,
Peter or John.  He has many albums out and is very well known.  His
music is very dark, depressing.

To me, the most depressing British male singer of the '70s was Gilbert
O'Sullivan, whose hit song "Alone Again, Naturally" was said to have
inspired dozens of suicide attempts.

Hi there,

I love melancholic music. There are three Tim's from that era who I
have filed under depressive:

Tim Buckley (late father of the late Jeff)
Tim Hardin
Tim Rose

All are Americans.

My guess is that you are thinking of Nick Drake, who made 3 albums
back then, but is at his most popular now, since VW used his music in
a tv commercial. He is English and also deceased.

In terms of modern depressives, you can't go past Mark Eitzel - either
his solo work or his band American Music Club.

I'd say Tim Buckley is the one you have in mind... he had quite a few
albums, some of which were quite dark and depressing, "Starsailor"
being one that comes to mind. Definitely check out Nick Drake if you
haven't already, especially the albums "Five Leaves Left" & "Pink
Moon".

No, It's NOT Tim Buckley - he's BRITISH or Canadian...I keep thinking
his first name is Peter...He's very dark, moody music, theatrical, but
in the alternative/pop music vein.  Would appreciate HELP on this! 
Thanks!

I'll take one more guess - Peter Murphy? His career started around 1979 though...

Cindy7897--

Could it be Peter Gabriel?  He was born in London and gained fame as
the lead singer with "Genesis" (a group noted for its
"theatricality"), whose first LP was released in 1969.  He began a
solo career in 1977 with a style that has been described as "dark" and
"cerebral."

Here is a brief excerpt from a lengthy biography from the All Music
Guide:

"As the leader of Genesis in the early '70s, Peter Gabriel helped move
progressive rock to new levels of theatricality. In his solo career,
Gabriel was no less ambitious, but he was more subtle in his methods.
With his first eponymous solo album in 1977, he began exploring
darker, more cerebral territory … ."
All Music Guide: Peter Gabriel
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=4:09:39|PM&sql=Baep1z85ajyvo~C

markj-ga

No, It's Not peter gabriel or anyone from Genesis...You really have to
be an audiophile and rock history major for this one!  It's driving me
crazy!  I can "hear" the music, and cannot find the name anywhere. 
Some of his music was very orchestral in the early 90s...he's
definitely ALTERNATIVE.  It's not Tim Finn, Peter Murphy or anyone I
can think of.  It may not be any of the names I thought it was.  It's
not Roxy Music...It's driving me CRAZY!...he started off in the mid
70s and did a double LP in 90 or 91...very strong, moody, brooding,
almost scary music...he is not my artist of choice, but I'm trying to
find it for a friend of mine.  Some of his music can give you
nightmares (no, it's not Marilyn Manson! LOL); I swear, it's some of
the most brooding music I've ever heard, and I even saw him in concert
in 1991 in Hollywood. HELP!  Thanks for all your comments though!

Nick Cave?

Nope, not Nick Cave...I feel sure it's a very easy name, and that's
what is bugging me.  Like Paul Smith..but that's not it.  LOL! 
Remember, BRITISH, brooding, i mean, this guy is SO depressing, you
wanna slit your wrists listening to most of his stuff, but there are
other things that are great.  Very different kinda guy.  He's not from
any band, Like King Crimson or Pink Floyd or anything like that.  I
believe I actually did read an article on him once and he is
manic/depressive, which is reflected very much in his music.  He's
probably close to 50 or 55 yrs old by now, if this helps.  I've
emailed all my friends and they can't remember his name either....I
listen to the "new" song That Johnny Cash has redone by Nine Inch
Nails, and it reminds me of this singer very much.  SOMEONE has got to
know the answer!!!  ;)

I FOUND IT!  IT's PETER HAMMILL of Van Der Graaf Generator!!!  Does
anyone remember him?  OMG!  Deep, scary stuff!  LOL!  Anyhow, I found
the answer myself!  Ok, i feel 'good' now!  whew!  Thanks everyone for
your help!