Songwriter Melanie Safka has died.
News of the American artist’s passing was confirmed by her children Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred in a statement on social media. In a note, they said “one of the most talented, strong and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that”. No cause of death was given.
The singer was born in 1947, coming of age in New York’s folk scene. Signed to Columbia, her decision not to conform to prevailing trends held her in good stead – sitting outside of fashion, Melanie Safka built a lasting career.
Invited to perform at Woodstock, her vision blossomed, with hits such as her take on The Rolling Stones’ ‘Ruby Tuesday’ and – in particular – the global smash ‘Brand New Key’.
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Departing Buddah Records, she formed her own record company – Neighbourhood Records – with her husband, claiming full ownership over her career.
Taking a step back from the spotlight to look after her young family, Melanie Safka continued to write and record. She penned the score for musical theatre project Ace Of Diamonds, and in 1989 she won an Emmy for writing the theme song for TV show Beauty And The Beast.
Melanie Safka’s husband Peter Schekeryk died suddenly in 2010. She is survived by three children, all of whom are musicians in their own right.
