Melanie Safka

Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk was known as simply Melanie. She was an American singer-songwriter with a voice that was incredible. She famously sang and performed at Woodstock. She wrote songs that people are still singing today. She passed away peacefully on January 23rd, 2024, at the age of 76.

Remembering Melanie

Melanie’s children, Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred, shared the sad news on January 23rd, 2024, by asking fans to light a candle in her memory that evening, for the woman who gave us Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).

This site is a place to remember her and her songs, and all of her fans and the people she reached. If her music meant something to you, we hope you find a little of her here.

Early Life

Born: February 3, 1947, New York City, U.S.
Background: Melanie was born and raised in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Her father, Frederick M. Safka, was of Ukrainian ancestry, and her mother, jazz singer Pauline “Polly” Altomare, was of Italian heritage.
First Performance: At age four, Melanie made her first public singing appearance on the radio show “Live Like A Millionaire”, performing the song “Gimme a Little Kiss”.

Career Highlights

Melanie Safka, an iconic figure in the music industry, began her illustrious career with her debut album “Born to Be” in 1968. As she rose to fame, she released notable albums such as “Affectionately Melanie” in 1969 and the acclaimed “Candles in the Rain” in 1970, which included the hit “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)”.

Her journey continued with the spiritually-infused “The Good Book” in 1971 and the popular “Gather Me“, which featured the chart-topping “Brand New Key“. As she explored deeper musical territories, Melanie graced her fans with albums like “Stoneground Words” in 1972 and “Madrugada” in 1974. Throughout her career, Melanie’s unique voice and poignant songwriting have left an indelible mark on generations of music lovers.

Personal Life

Family meant everything to Melanie. And in 1968 she married Peter Schekeryk, a record producer, and together they had three children: Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred, who grew up around music and even performed with her.

Melanie was a deeply spiritual person. She was a follower of Meher Baba, and in later life, she found real comfort with Mata Amritanandamayi, who is known by her followers as Amma.

Discography

Melanie Safka’s musical journey has been marked by a series of albums that not only showcase her unique voice but also her songwriting prowess. Here’s a deeper dive into some of her most notable albums:

Melanie Safka’s illustrious career has been marked by a series of remarkable albums. Here’s a snapshot of her musical journey:

Era/Phase	Album	Year	Notable Tracks
Debut Moments	Born To Be	1968	Link to Album
Rising Fame	Melanie	1969	Link to Album
Rising Fame	Candles In The Rain	1970	Link to Album
Peak Years	The Good Book	1971	Link to Album
Peak Years	Gather Me	1971	Link to Album
Continued Exploration	Stoneground Words	1972	Link to Album
Continued Exploration	Madrugada	1974	Link to Album

Fans love her music. I’m sure they always will. There’s many videos on YouTube where people are hearing Brand New Key for the first time and film themselves falling in love with that voice. The Melanie Safka Appreciation Society on Facebook is where fans and friends from all over the world share their Melanie stories and keep the music going.