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Melanie passed away last week at the age of 76. She was a prolific singer-songwriter who profoundly influenced both folk and rock music.

Melanie Safka was one of the three solo female performers at the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Janet Joplin and Joan Baez were also performing at the multi-day event.

The news of her death was shared on social media by her three children.

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Melanie Musical Beginnings

Born in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York, on February 3, 1947, Melanie's musical journey began at a young age. 

Her mother, Polly, a professional jazz singer, exposed her to the world of music. Melanie's first performance occurred at the age of four, when she sang on a New York radio show.

 She continued to nurture her passion by studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and gracing the stages of Greenwich Village coffee houses, central to the flourishing 1960s folk scene.

Her style deviated from the traditional simple structure of ’60s folk music. Her unique sound drew from the high-drama work of 1940s and 1950’s international legends Edith Piaf, Kurt Weill, and jazz singer Blossom Dearie.

Founding Neighborhood Records

In 1971, Melanie, alongside her late husband, manager, and producer Peter Schekeryk, founded Neighborhood Records. 

This groundbreaking move marked the establishment of the first female-owned independent label in rock history. Melanie's entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for future generations of female artists seeking autonomy in the male-dominated music industry.

From Woodstock to Chart-Topping Hits

Melanie's breakout performance at Woodstock in 1969 was a turning point in her career. Her performance of "Birthday of the Sun" introduced a new audience to her unique style.

Over the next four decades, Melanie released an impressive 31 albums, featuring hits like "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," "What Have They Done to My Song Ma," "Peace Will Come," "Ruby Tuesday," and "The Nickel Song."

Her unique track, "Brand New Key," even found its way into Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 film Boogie Nights.

Legacy and Influence

Melanie's impact extended beyond her own performances, with artists like Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Miley Cyrus, and Morrissey recording her songs. Her versatility shone through in a diverse range of covers, including Morrissey's "Ouija Board Ouija Board," recorded just earlier this month.