| Melanie Safka was born on February 3, 1947, in Queens in New York, New York.
While studying at the New York Academy of Fine Arts, Melanie began her singing career playing clubs in New York. She recorded her first single, "Beautiful People," in 1967.
In 1969, her first album, Born to Be was released by Buddah and on August 16, 1969, Melanie sang "Birthday of the Sun" at Woodstock.
Melanie's first top 10 hit was "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" which she recorded with the Edwin Hawkins Singers.
After leaving Buddah and forming her own label, Melanie's "Brand New Key" hit number one on the U.S. charts in 1971.
In 1987, Melanie's "The First Time I Loved Forever" was used as the theme song for the TV series "Beauty and the Beast."
Melanie continues to perform at clubs and festivals in the US and Europe.
When asked in 1994 "Do you have any songs that you'd like to cover?" Melanie replied "Harry Nilsson's "Mournin' Glory Story" from the 1968 LP Harry is one I've always loved. God, it was a shame about Harry [passing away]." Visitor Comments:Connections:Melanie ... | 
