Melanie Safka

Melanie Safka Schekeryk, also known as Melanie (born February 3, 1947), is a U.S. singer-songwriter.

Born in Astoria, New York, she made her first recording, "Gimme A Little Kiss", at the tender age of five. The title was sung à la Shirley Temple.

Europe first recognized her as an extraordinarily talented singer-songwriter. Her song "Bobo's Party" was a #1 hit for several weeks in a row in France in 1969. Later that year she had a hit in the Netherlands with "Beautiful People" (" ... you ride the same subway as I do every morning, that's got to tell you something, we got so much in common ...").

Melanie performed at Woodstock. During her performance, for the first time in pop history, candles were lit (and thus began a tradition). Inspired by this, Melanie wrote "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)", which was a hit all over Europe and the USA. Her biggest hit in the USA was "Brand New Key", also known as "The Roller Skate Song". She has been awarded three gold albums.

Since 1969 Melanie has made a record annually. They are all produced by her husband,