Melanie Safka, the American singer-songwriter revered for her unique voice and memorable performances, notably at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival while still an unknown, passed away on January 23, 2024, at the age of 76. 

Born on February 3, 1947, in Queens, New York City, Safka, professionally known as Melanie, rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits such as “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).”

Her death was confirmed by her children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, in a Facebook post on January 25. They described her as “one of the most talented, strong, and passionate women of the era,” whose work reflected her powerful spirit. The family did not disclose the cause of her death.

Safka’s life was marked by her significant contributions to the music industry. She gained widespread recognition for her performance at Woodstock in 1969, a defining moment in her career and a highlight of the festival. Her distinct blend of folk, pop, and rock, coupled with her emotive delivery, cemented her place in the annals of music history.

In addition to “Brand New Key,” a song that reached number one in multiple countries, Safka was known for her cover of “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones and other notable songs. Her music career spanned several decades, during which she continued to perform and release music, influencing generations of artists and fans alike.

Safka was married to record producer Peter Schekeryk, with whom she had three children. He died in 2010. Her family’s involvement in music extended beyond her own career, with her children and husband also active in the industry. Her daughters Jeordie and Leilah formed a musical duo called Safka in their teens and early 20s, while her son Beau Jarred is a multi-instrumentalist who has produced his sisters’ albums and collaborated with his mother.

The singer, who lived near Nashville, Tennessee, in her later years, continued to tour and perform until late 2022 and had recently announced the upcoming release of a new double album of cover songs.

Her children, remembering their mother’s legacy, have asked fans to honor Melanie Safka by lighting a candle at 10 p.m. CT on January 25. In their Facebook post, they expressed how Melanie’s absence has dimmed the world but assured that her presence would continue to be felt from the stars.

Melanie’s impact on music and culture extends beyond her songs. She was part of a movement that shaped the folk and pop landscapes of the 1960s and 1970s. Her advocacy for social and political causes, often reflected in her music, added depth to her artistic persona.