Schekeryk, Melanie (1947–)
Schekeryk, Melanie (1947–)
American rock, pop, and folksinger and songwriter. Name variations: Melanie; Melanie Safka. Born Melanie Safka, Feb 3, 1947, in Queens, NY; studied at American Academy of Dramatic Arts; m. Peter Schekeryk (music publisher), 1968; children: Beau Jarred (guitarist).
Known simply as Melanie, signed with Columbia Records (1967); performed at Woodstock (1969), gaining considerable notice; released album, Candles in the Rain, which sold over 1 million copies and earned her Billboard's award as top female vocalist (1970); became well known in Western Europe, where her records were often in Top 10; with husband, started Neighborhood Records (1971) and released her biggest hit, "Brand New Key," which sold over 3 million copies and was #1 in US; other hit songs include "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma?," "Lay Down," and "Beautiful People"; became a spokeswoman for UNICEF (1972). Was the 1st female pop artist to have 3 albums on Billboard charts simultaneously; won an Emmy for writing song "The First Time I Loved Forever" for CBS-TV's "Beauty and the Beast: A Distant Shore" (1989).
See also Women in World History.