Melanie Safka, the talented singer who graced the stage at Woodstock in 1969 and captured the hearts of millions with her iconic pop hits “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” in the early ’70s, has passed away at the age of 76. The news of her death was confirmed by her publicity firm, Glass Onyon PR.
A Trailblazer in Music
Melanie’s incredible journey in the music industry is filled with memorable milestones. Her first breakthrough came with the powerful gospel-inspired collaboration “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” featuring the Edwin Hawkins Singers, which reached an impressive No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 1970. The following year, she took the world by storm with the catchy and controversial chart-topper, “Brand New Key.” The song, often interpreted as a children’s tune or infused with playful innuendo, claimed the No. 1 spot in the US and also achieved top 10 success in the UK with her cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday.”
The Journey Continues
Reflecting on her career, Melanie once shared with The Guardian that “Brand New Key” was both a blessing and a curse. Despite being perceived by many as a novelty song, she originally composed it as a blues tune. However, she decided to speed it up to appeal to a wider audience. This unexpected success propelled her into the spotlight, cementing her status as a musical legend.
A Life Devoted to Music
Melanie Safka, born on February 3, 1947, in Astoria, New York, and raised in Queens, embraced her passion for performing in the folk clubs of Greenwich Village. Although her beloved husband, producer, and manager, Peter Schekeryk, passed away in 2010, Melanie continued to collaborate with her children—son Beau Jarred and daughters Leilah and Jeordie—in creating beautiful music and captivating live performances. Her incredible talent earned her significant recognition in the ’70s through her work with the Buddah label. More recently, Melanie signed with the Cleopatra label, which celebrated her post-Buddah catalog through reissues.
A Lasting Legacy
Melanie’s musical journey was far from over. Just this year, she recorded a cover of Morrissey’s “Ouija Board Ouija Board” for an upcoming tribute album and a rendition of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” for the planned covers album, “Second Hand Smoke.” Her repertoire also included captivating versions of Radiohead’s “Creep,” the Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin,” Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence,” and David Bowie’s “Everyone Says Hi.” Melanie’s passion for music knew no bounds.
We bid farewell to a remarkable artist and celebrate the indelible mark Melanie Safka has left on the world of music. Her soulful voice, meaningful lyrics, and unforgettable melodies will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Melanie.