“Singer Melanie, Known for Woodstock Performance and Hits ‘Brand New Key’ and ‘Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),’ Dies at 76”

Melanie, the renowned singer known for her iconic performance at Woodstock in 1969 and her chart-topping hits “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” passed away at the age of 76. The news of her death was confirmed by her publicity firm, Glass Onyon PR. While no information regarding the cause of her death has been disclosed, Melanie had been working on her 32nd album, titled “Second Hand Smoke,” for the Cleopatra label before her passing.

Melanie’s three children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, expressed their grief on Facebook and thanked everyone for their love and support. They described their mother as a talented, strong, and passionate woman whose words and music reflected her remarkable spirit. Despite the loss they feel, they believe that Melanie’s presence will continue to shine down on them and her fans from the stars above.

In honor of Melanie, her children requested that everyone light a candle at 10 p.m. CT on January 24th to commemorate her extraordinary life. They urged people to raise their candles high and illuminate the darkness, creating a collective remembrance of their beloved mother.

Melanie’s breakthrough hit was “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” a gospel-infused collaboration with the Edwin Hawkins Singers that reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 chart in 1970. The following year, she achieved immense success with “Brand New Key,” a song that was interpreted as both a children’s tune and one filled with sexual innuendo. The track topped the charts and became her only other top 10 hit in the United States. In the UK, Melanie also reached the top 10 with her cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday.”

Reflecting on her career, Melanie spoke to The Guardian in 2021 about “Brand New Key,” admitting that it had been a source of frustration for her. Despite its childlike tone, the song was originally composed as a blues tune. However, Melanie decided to speed it up to appeal to a wider audience. She acknowledged that being a female artist in the male-dominated folk-rock scene of the time often resulted in her being overlooked, even in comparison to fellow female artists like Joni Mitchell. Melanie speculated that her cherubic appearance may have contributed to this oversight, as the era demanded a more brooding persona from women.

Born Melanie Safka on February 3, 1947, in Astoria, New York, she grew up in Queens. While she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, it was her love for performing at the folk clubs in Greenwich Village that paved her path to success. Melanie’s career took an unexpected turn when she was invited to perform at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, despite not having any radio hits at the time. In 1989 and 2019, she penned articles for Rolling Stone, recounting her out-of-body experience during her Woodstock performance. She described feeling terrified and leaving her body momentarily before returning to sing. As rain began to fall, the audience was encouraged to light candles, resulting in a mesmerizing sight that inspired her breakthrough hit, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).” The song became synonymous with her concerts, leading to some venues banning her shows due to fire safety concerns.

Melanie’s husband, Peter Schekeryk, who also served as her producer and manager, passed away in 2010. In recent years, Melanie had been collaborating musically with her son Beau Jarred and daughters Leilah and Jeordie. Her talent and influence were recognized by younger artists such as Miley Cyrus and Jarvis Cocker, who invited her to collaborate and interview with them.

At the beginning of the 1970s, Melanie achieved her greatest success with the Buddah label. However, in 1971, she founded her own label, becoming a trailblazer for independent artists. Recently, she signed with Cleopatra Records, which was in the process of reissuing her post-Buddah catalog. Melanie had been working on a cover album titled “Second Hand Smoke,” featuring songs like Morrissey’s “Ouija Board Ouija Board,” Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt,” 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 children announced that they are planning a Celebration of Life event to honor their mother, which will be open to all who wish to attend. Further details will be shared in due course.

Melanie’s legacy as a talented and influential singer-songwriter will continue to resonate with fans around the world. Her unique voice and heartfelt lyrics touched the hearts of many, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. As we remember Melanie, let