Melanie, singer-songwriter who topped charts with Brand New Key, dies aged 76

Children pay tribute to musician, who went from folk clubs to Woodstock festival and mainstream success, as ‘one of the most talented, strong and passionate women of the era’

Melanie Safka, the American singer-songwriter known as Melanie who had a global hit with Brand New Key, has died aged 76.

Her children Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred announced her death on social media, describing her as “one of the most talented, strong and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that”. No cause of death has been given.