Melanie Safka, renowned for her performance at Woodstock and the recipient of an Emmy Award in 1989 for her songwriting contributions to the CBS series “Beauty and the Beast,” has passed away at the age of 76.

Who Was Melanie Safka?

Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk, professionally known as Melanie or Melanie Safka, was an accomplished American singer-songwriter.

Personal Details:

• Complete Real Name: Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk (Melanie or Melanie Safka)
• Date of Birth: February 3, 1947, in New York, New York, United States
• Place of Birth: Astoria, Queens, New York City
• Place of Residence: Nashville, Tennessee area
• Date of Death: January 23, 2024, at the age of 76

Melanie Safka Cause of Death:

The announcement of her passing came from her children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, who shared the news on Melanie’s official Facebook page. While the trio did not disclose the cause of her death, they expressed that Melanie had peacefully transitioned from this world to the next. The poignant announcement was made on Wednesday, honoring the singer/songwriter’s journey.

Melanie Safka Family:

• Parents: Frederick M. Safka (1924–2009) of Ukrainian ancestry, and Pauline “Polly” Altomare (1926–2003), a jazz singer of Italian heritage.

Education:

• Melanie attended Long Branch High School in New Jersey and later graduated from Red Bank Regional High School in 1964.

Melanie Safka Career and Achievements:

• Melanie achieved notable success, winning an Emmy in 1989 for outstanding achievement in music and lyrics for her work on the “Beauty and the Beast” theme song.
• Her discography boasts hits like “Brand New Key,” “What Have They Done to My Song Ma,” and “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).”
• Melanie co-founded Neighborhood Records with her husband Peter Schekeryk, establishing herself as the first American woman to open a mainstream record label.

Woodstock Experience:

• Melanie shared her Woodstock experience in a 2018 interview, recalling her performance in 1969 when she was relatively unknown but gaining attention with her single “Beautiful People.”

Legacy:

• Melanie’s passing was announced by her children on Facebook, describing her as one of the most talented, strong, and passionate women of her era.
• A celebration of life is planned, with details to be announced soon. The post encourages all who wish to celebrate Melanie’s life to attend.

In her own words, Melanie reflected on her transformative experience at Woodstock, saying, “I walked on the stage an unknown person and walked off a celebrity.”

Check also, Adam Harrison Obituary, Son of Pawn Stars Creator Rick Harrison, Dies at Age 39