Melanie Safka, the talented singer who graced the stage at Woodstock in 1969 and achieved major success with her hits “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” in the early ’70s, has passed away at the age of 76. This news was confirmed by her publicity firm, Glass Onyon PR.
No immediate information regarding the cause of her death has been released. However, just earlier this month, Melanie was in the studio working on her 32nd album, “Second Hand Smoke,” a collection of cover songs for the Cleopatra label.
Melanie’s three children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, expressed their heartfelt gratitude on Facebook, thanking everyone for their love and affection towards their mother. They described Melanie as one of the most talented, strong, and passionate women of her era. Despite her absence, they believe her spirit will continue to shine down on all of us from the stars.
To honor Melanie’s memory, her children have requested that on January 24th at 10 p.m. CT, each person lights a candle in remembrance of her. This collective act of illumination will create a powerful connection, symbolizing the impact she had on countless lives.
Melanie’s breakthrough hit was “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” a collaboration with the Edwin Hawkins Singers, which reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 1970. It was followed by her iconic hit “Brand New Key” in 1971, which topped the charts and became synonymous with her name. In the UK, she achieved further success with her cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday,” also reaching the top 10.
Reflecting on her career, Melanie revealed that “Brand New Key” was both a blessing and a curse. While many saw it as a catchy children’s tune, others interpreted it as containing hidden sexual innuendos. Originally composed as a blues song, Melanie decided to speed it up for broader commercial appeal.
Despite her undeniable talent, Melanie did not always receive the recognition she deserved in the male-dominated folk-rock scene of the time. She pondered why that may have been the case, speculating that the industry preferred brooding and mysterious women, whereas her cherubic appearance did not fit the mold. Regardless, her impact on music history cannot be denied.
Born in Astoria, New York, on February 3, 1947, Melanie was raised in Queens. Her interest in performing at the folk clubs in Greenwich Village paved the way for her extraordinary career. Even before achieving radio hits, Melanie made a significant impact when she performed at the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969.
Melanie had countless memorable moments throughout her career, but she often recalled her out-of-body experience during her performance at Woodstock. The rain started just before she took the stage, and the announcer suggested that lighting candles would keep the rain away. By the end of her set, the entire hillside was aglow with flickering lights. This experience inspired her breakthrough hit, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” and became a memorable trademark of her shows, despite leading to restrictions due to fire concerns.
Throughout her life, Melanie faced both personal and professional challenges. She tragically lost her husband, producer, and manager, Peter Schekeryk, in 2010. However, she continued to collaborate musically with her son Beau Jarred and daughters Leilah and Jeordie in recent years, both in the studio and on stage.
Melanie’s influence extended to younger generations of artists, with Miley Cyrus collaborating with her on a duet of Melanie’s “Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma” in 2015. Additionally, Jarvis Cocker conducted a live on-stage interview with Melanie in the UK, further highlighting her impact on music history.
At the beginning of the ’70s, Melanie achieved her greatest success with the Buddah label. In 1971, she founded her own record label, becoming a pioneer for independent artists. Recently, Melanie had signed with the Cleopatra label, which aimed to reissue her entire post-Buddah catalog.
In early January, Melanie recorded covers of Morrissey’s “Ouija Board Ouija Board” and Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” for her upcoming covers album, “Second Hand Smoke.” Her rendition of “Ouija Board Ouija Board” was a tribute to Morrissey, who had covered her song “Some Say (I Got Devil).” She also recorded 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 three children have announced plans for a Celebration of Life in her honor. The details of the event will be shared soon, providing an opportunity for fans to come together and celebrate the remarkable life of Melanie. We look forward to paying tribute to this extraordinary artist and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
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