Melanie, singer-songwriter of 'Brand New Key' and other '70s hits, dies at 76

Melanie Safka opens the second day of the "A Day In The Garden" festival on Aug. 15, 1988, in Bethel, N.Y. Melanie, a singer-songwriter behind 1970s hits including “Brand New Key,” has died. Melanie's publicist tells The Associated Press that she died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. She was 76. Born Melanie Safka, the singer rose through the New York folk scene and was one of only three solo women to perform at Woodstock. Her hits included “Lay Down” and “Look What They've Done to My Song Ma.” (AP Photo/Ken Bizzigotti, File)

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By Associated Press

January 25, 2024 at 12:08 PM UTC

Updated on

January 25, 2024 at 4:59 PM UTC

Melanie, the singer-songwriter who rose through the New York folk scene, performed at Woodstock and had a series of 1970s hits including the enduring cultural phenomenon “Brand New Key," has died.

Her publicist Billy James told The Associated Press that Melanie died Tuesday. She was 76 and lived in central Tennessee. The cause was not immediately revealed.