Famed Singer-Songwriter Melanie Dies at 76

Known for Woodstock Performance and Hits 'Brand New Key' and 'Lay Down', Melanie Was Working on Her 32nd Album

Melanie Safka, known as Melanie, the singer-songwriter who rose to fame with her performance at Woodstock in 1969 and had hits in the 1970s with “Brand New Key” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” died on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the age of 76.
Melanie was one of the only three female solo performers at the generation-defining Woodstock Music and Art Fair in upstate New York.
Melanie's children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, announced her death on Facebook, stating that she passed peacefully, but did not disclose the cause of death.
Melanie was recently working on a new record featuring cover songs, titled 'Second Hand Smoke', which would have been her 32nd album.
Melanie's children have asked fans to light a candle in her honor, and are planning a Celebration of Life event, details of which will be announced later.