Melanie Woodstock singer-songwriter
Melanie 1970s hits artist.
Melanie Safka, the folk singer who rose to fame at the age of 22 with her captivating performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, has passed away at the age of 76. The news of her death was announced by her children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, on their mother’s Facebook page. Although no further details about her death were provided, it is known that she had been living near Nashville.
Melanie, often known simply by her first name, achieved chart success in the early 1970s with her hit song “Brand New Key.” This quirky track, along with other well-known songs such as “Peace Will Come (According to Plan),” “What Have They Done to My Song, Ma,” “Ring the Living Bell,” “The Nickel Song,” and her unique cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday,” earned her a place in the Top 100 charts.
However, Melanie’s most memorable song may be “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” a powerful collaboration with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Inspired by her experience at Woodstock, the song captured the essence of that moment, as the rain poured down and the audience held up candles in unity. It was a transformative experience for Melanie, who described herself as a girl alone with a guitar, never having performed for more than 500 people before that night. The chorus of “Lay Down” was already in her head as she left the stage, forever changing her perception of the world.
With her long hair and flowing dresses, Melanie became a beloved figure in the counterculture movement, singing about peace and community with a voice that could convey both innocence and immense power. Some adored her sugary sincerity, while others were put off by it. Chicago Tribune rock critic Lynn Van Matre once remarked that Melanie was a performer who attracted strong opinions from people.
Despite her success, Melanie grew weary of her signature song, “Brand New Key,” which she believed pigeonholed her as cute. However, she remained proud of her body of work and never regretted prioritizing her family over stardom. She received countless letters from fans who credited her music with saving their lives, emphasizing that it was her music, not her appearance or stage presence, that truly mattered.
Melanie Anne Safka was born on February 3, 1947, in Queens, New York. Her father had Ukrainian heritage, while her mother, Polly Safka-Bertolo, was of Italian background and recorded jazz music. Melanie made her first public appearance at the age of 4 on a radio show, performing the song “Gimme a Little Kiss.” She spent much of her childhood in suburban New Jersey and began performing at a coffeehouse in Long Branch. She also took acting classes in New York and regularly performed at folk clubs in Greenwich Village.
Following her iconic performance at Woodstock, Melanie was the only well-known artist to appear at the ill-fated Powder Ridge Rock Festival in Connecticut. Despite a last-minute injunction, thousands of people attended the event, which quickly descended into a chaotic drug-fueled frenzy. Undeterred, Melanie performed on a homemade stage powered by Mister Softee trucks, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
“Brand New Key” brought both success and controversy to Melanie’s career, with some radio stations banning the song. She wrote it in just 15 minutes, thinking it was a cute, old-fashioned tune. However, the song’s lyrics, referencing a key and a lock, carried Freudian symbolism that was not lost on audiences. Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson even included “Brand New Key” in his 1997 film “Boogie Nights,” using it in a seduction scene involving a character wearing roller skates.
Throughout her life, Melanie continued to make music sporadically. She collaborated with artists like Stephin Merritt for his group the 6ths, and her songs were covered by various artists, including Miley Cyrus, Nina Simone, and Morrissey. In 1983, she wrote music and lyrics for a musical based on Annie Oakley’s letters, titled “Ace of Diamonds.”
Melanie Safka’s legacy extends far beyond her music. As the 50th anniversary of Woodstock approached in 2018, she reflected on the festival’s impact, noting that it reminded a whole generation of what is truly valuable and true. She emphasized that she was never drawn to the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll aspect of the event, but rather sought to be her authentic self. She believed that there were countless others like her, searching for their own authentic selves.
Melanie Safka’s music touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on the counterculture movement of the 1970s. While her fame may have faded over the years, her music and message of peace and authenticity will continue to resonate with fans around the world..
– Melanie singer-songwriter Woodstock
– Melanie dies singer-songwriter 76.
