The Musical Life of Melanie - by Craig Harris (Hardcover)

About the Book

At just twenty-two years old, Melanie was the first female solo performer at the historic 1969 Woodstock Festival, transforming into an overnight sensation. Often singing about world peace and love, the "Brand New Key" songstress dedicated herself to artistic integrity for more than half a century. This book chronicles her remarkable journey.

Book Synopsis

At just twenty-two years old, Melanie was the first female solo performer at the historic 1969 Woodstock Festival, transforming into an overnight sensation.

Craig Harris chronicles Melanie's remarkable journey, revealing her dedication to artistic integrity for more than half a century. Inspired by a candle-lighting ceremony before her Woodstock performance, Melanie's "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" became a groundbreaking gospel-pop hit. A month after its 1971 release, "Brand New Key" knocked Don McLean's "American Pie" out of the Billboard pop charts' top slot.

Melanie often sang about love and world peace, but things usually weren't so rosy. At a time when female artists were pressured to be subservient, Melanie was encouraged to put down her guitar, give up writing songs, and stick to saccharine pop tunes. However, she remained true to herself. Twice named "Female Artist of the Year" by Billboard, she scored an Emmy for songwriting and became the first woman to own a major record label. Based on extensive research and interviews, this book thoroughly explores Melanie's influential life in music.

Review Quotes

"Melanie was an artist associated with Woodstock and the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early sixties. She was known best for her image as a beautiful hippie in a floor-length peasant gown, and for her number one hit in 1971, the novelty song, "Brand New Key." Craig Harris, musical biographer and percussionist, adds nuance to this story. Melanie sustained a long and varied career as an accomplished singer and prolific writer, who penned her most enduring recordings, founded a successful record label, and composed for stage and screen, never allowing waning public interest in her work to diminish her creative drive. Before she died in January 2024, Melanie was recording what would have been her thirtieth studio album. [T]he Musical Life of Melanie will interest folk music aficionados, readers interested in the counterculture, and Melanie's devoted fans, who will appreciate the ways Harris draws upon his close access to the artist and her children, yielding a valuable insider's take on a complex life." --Booklist

"Craig Harris leaves no stone unturned in this thorough and heartfelt narration of Melanie life and times. He paints a true and masterful portrait of this incredible woman who was way ahead of her time." --Randy Brecker, the Brecker Brothers; seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning trumpet player

"This book takes a poignant look into the life of Melanie and her journey through the exciting yet brutal music industry. Harris captures Melanie's colorful vision of the world and how it is reflected in her music while depicting her struggle to stay true to her art, remain relevant, and have control over her destiny." --Janey Street, singer-songwriter

"A revealing and inclusive biography. The Musical Life of Melanie is a must-read for anyone in or out of the music industry including her many fans, old and new." --Randy Morrison, photographer, Melanie Safka Appreciation Society

About the Author

Craig Harris is a music historian, educator, storyteller, percussionist, photographer, radio show host, and author of six books. A skilled percussionist, he has appeared onstage with C.J. Chenier, Greg Brown, Jonathan Edwards, Rod MacDonald, Melanie, Mustard's Retreat, Merl Saunders, Rick Danko (The Band), and Los Texmaniacs. He has co-hosted the weekly syndicated Gaea Crystal Radio Hour since 2014 and his radio show, The Craig Harris Show, airs on Washington, D.C.'s WAMU-FM/Bluegrass Country Radio.