Melanie Safka, known for her performances at Woodstock and hits like “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” passed away at 76, as confirmed by her publicity firm, Glass Onyon PR, variety.com reports.
The cause of death remains undisclosed.
The iconic singer had been actively working on her 32nd album, “Second Hand Smoke,” for the Cleopatra label before her demise. Her children – Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred – expressed gratitude for the outpouring of affection on Facebook, calling their mother a talented, strong and passionate woman of her era.
Melanie’s musical legacy includes hits like “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” and “Brand New Key,” the latter reaching No. 1 on the charts.
Despite her significant contributions to the folk-rock scene, Melanie often faced challenges in a male-dominated industry. In a 2021 interview with The Guardian, she reflected on the perception of her hit “Brand New Key” as a novelty song, stating it was initially composed as a blues tune.
Born in 1947 in Astoria, New York, Melanie’s career soared after her impromptu performance at Woodstock in 1969. Her breakthrough hit, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” was inspired by that experience. She continued to share her musical talent, collaborating with younger artistes like Miley Cyrus and engaging in on-stage interviews, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
