Exclusive Interview - Melanie

Join co-host Emme Lentino in her exclusive chat with singer-songwriter Melanie, right here in our Heart of Indie studio! Melanie landed in the New York City music and radio scene in the late 1960s. Her first single, Beautiful People immediately became a turntable hit. Her first tour began with an impressive 40-day run of shows at Paris’world-famous L’Olympia Theater at the invitation of Bruno Coquatrix. In the years to come, she would entertain millions: at an Aquarian Exposition (the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival), at Carnegie Hall, the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury music festivals, the Sydney Opera House, the South Korean DMZ, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Royal Albert Hall, and many many more theatres, halls, and beloved music clubs around the globe. Melanie launched Neighborhood Records, making her the first American woman to open a mainstream record label, she has recorded over 20 chart hits and many have been re-recorded. “What Have They Done To My Song Ma” was re-recorded by Ray Charles with the Count Basie Band. Nina Simone delivered a remarkable rendition as well. “(Lay Down) Candles in the Rain” was re-recorded by Mott the Hoople on their 1971 album Wildlife. Meredith Brooks and Queen Latifah later recorded the anthem. “Some Say (I Got Devil)” was rerecorded by Smith’s frontman Morrissey. These are only a few of the many performers who have re-recorded Melanie’s works. She has always known her calling in life was to entertain. Audiences have welcomed her to the stage for more than fifty years, and she continues to perform today. More information about Melanie can be found at the following: • Website: http://www.melaniesafka.com/