The Musical Life of Melanie

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.

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.

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