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Singer songwriter Melanie (Safka Schekeryk) has a reputation for innovation and setting the tone other performers always seem to follow. During her career she has been personally signed to contracts by top executives of the industry that include Neil Bogart, Clive Davis, Walter Yetnekoff and Ahmet Ertegun, some of who continue to lead the industry. Melanie performed at the original Woodstock in Bethel, New York in 1969. Her unique folk/rock/ballad style led her to success with songs like “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) “Beautiful People”, “Look What They’ve Done To My Song Ma”, “Brand New Key (Roller Skates)” and many others. Melanie has sold millions of records during her career and continues to record and perform on a regular schedule.
Melanie’s professional career began at the age of 4 when she played and sang on local New York City radio. She graduated from Long Branch High School in New Jersey and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. It was during this period that Melanie continued to develop her unique style as a singer, performing at local coffeehouses and clubs. In 1967, Melanie signed a song publishing agreement with her future husband Peter Schekeryk and that led to a recording contract with Columbia Records and the release of “Beautiful People” (first played on WNEW/FM in New York).
After the original Woodstock in 1969, Melanie has inspired to write “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” and in 1970 the LP went gold on Budda/Karma Sutra Records. From then on it became a ritual for fans to light candles during live performances of Melanie’s as well as other concert performers. In the summer of 1970 she signed a publishing agreement with April Blackwood Music (CBS) and Charles Koppleman, who later became CEO of EMI Music.
In 1971, Melanie and her husband, Peter Schekeryk, formed Neighborhood Records and immediately released her best know recording, “Brand New Key”, which stayed on Billboard Magazine’s chart for weeks and sold over three million copies world wide. It was also in 1971 that Melanie cancelled the remaining dates of a very successful American tour to become the official spokesperson for UNICEF. Few artists at the peak of their careers and enjoying great success would go to work for free for the benefit of others. In addition, Melanie has had the distinguished honor of performing before the United Nations on numerous occasions throughout her career.
In 1972, Ray Charles recorded and had a hit with “Look What They’ve Done To My Song Ma” which Melanie considers a career milestone. Both then and now, Melanie’s music has been sung and recorded by such artists as Nana Mouskouri, Peggy Lee, Nina Simone, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, Dolly Parton, Deana Carter, Meredith Brookes, Macy Gray and many others. Melanie’s music also continues to be featured in both screen and television scores.
In 1975, Neighborhood Records, was sold and Melanie signed with Clive Davis and Arista Records as one of the artists on the new label. After releasing two albums with Arista, she signed with Ahmet Ertegun of Altantic Records and released “Photograph”, which was produced by Ertegun and Schekeryk.
In 1985, Melanie composed a Broadway production of “Ace of Diamonds” – The Life of Calamity Jane, published by April Blackwood Music (CBS).
In 1989, at the 41st Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Melanie was awarded an EMMY for the lyrics composed by her for the song “The First Time I Loved Forever” written for the CBS production of “Beauty and the Beast” – A Distant Shore).
In 1999, Melanie delivered a riveting performance at the original site of Woodstock in Bethel New York for the “Day in the Garden” celebration of the Woodstock 30th anniversary. While performing her favourites, she also delivered a mesmerizing tribute to Jimi Hendrix, “Purple Haze”. An audience of thousands was on their feet in appreciation. Shortly after that, Melanie hosted and performed at an Amnesty International event in Washington DC and signed the Declaration of Human Rights
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