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

Singer Melanie Safka, known simply as Melanie, who rose to fame with hits like ‘Brand New Key‘ and ‘Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),’ has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the folk-rock scene of the early ’70s.

While the cause of her death remains undisclosed, Melanie had recently been working on her 32nd album, ‘Second Hand Smoke,’ a collection of cover songs, slated to be released under the Cleopatra label.

Born in Astoria, New York in 1947, Melanie’s musical journey took off after captivating audiences at the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969, even before she received radio play. Her experience at Woodstock inspired her breakthrough hit, ‘Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),’ a gospel-infused collaboration with the Edwin Hawkins Singers, which reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 charts in 1970.

In 1971, Melanie soared to the top of the charts again with the iconic ‘Brand New Key,’ a song that sparked debates due to its childlike tone and sexual innuendo. Her unique blend of melodies also led to her UK top 10 cover of the Rolling Stones‘ ‘Ruby Tuesday.’

Despite her success, Melanie often felt overlooked in the male-dominated folk-rock genre. In an interview, she reflected on this, stating that society demanded female artists to be broody and serious, whereas her cherubic appearance and joyful music didn’t fit the mold.

After leaving the Buddah label, Melanie pioneered as an independent artist, establishing her own record label in 1971. Throughout her career, she collaborated with her husband, producer, and manager Peter Schekeryk. In recent years, she had been working with her children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, on musical projects.

Notably, Melanie received recognition from younger generations of artists, with Miley Cyrus inviting her to duet on ‘Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma‘ in 2015. British musician Jarvis Cocker also conducted an on-stage interview with Melanie.

In early January, before her untimely passing, Melanie had recorded covers of Morrissey‘s ‘Ouija Board Ouija Board’ and Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Hurt‘ for her upcoming album ‘Second Hand Smoke.’ The album would also include her renditions 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 children expressed their gratitude and requested her fans to light candles in her honor at 10 p.m. CT, honoring her as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. They also announced plans for a Celebration of Life event to be open to the public.