‘Brand New Key’ singer and original Woodstock performer Melanie dies, aged 76

nme.com:

statement posted on her Facebook page yesterday (January 24). The cause of death is not yet known.Sharing the news, the late artist’s children – Leilah, Jeordie and Beau Jarred – wrote: “We are heartbroken, but want to thank each and every one of you for the affection you have for our Mother, and to tell you that she loved all of you so much!“She was one of the most talented, strong and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that.”The message continued: “Our world is much dimmer, the colors of a dreary, rainy Tennessee pale with her absence today, but we know that she is still here, smiling down on all of us, on all of you, from the stars.”Melanie’s children went on to describe their mother as an “extraordinary woman” before revealing that they’re “planning a Celebration of Life”, which “will be open to all of you who want to come and celebrate her”.“The details will be announced as soon as they are in place.

We look forward to seeing you there,” they added.“At this time please allow us, her family, privacy as we grieve for her, remember her, and figure out how to navigate this crazy world without her.

Thank you all for your love – you meant so very much to her.”Born and raised in Queens, New York, Melanie started out performing at folk clubs in Greenwich Village in the mid-’60s before signing with Columbia Records and later moving to Buddah Records.The singer was one of only three female solo artists to perform at the original Woodstock festival in 1969 alongside Janis Joplin and Joan Baez.She released her international breakout hit ‘Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)’ the following year, with the song peaking at Number Six on the Billboard Hot 100.