An American singer-songwriter, usually known professionally simply as Melanie. She is best known for her hits Brand New Key, Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) and What Have They Done To My Song, Ma?

Melanie made her first public appearance at the age of 4 on a live radio show. She was a student at New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts when she began singing in the folk clubs of Greenwich Village and signed her first recording contract.

Initially signed to Columbia Records, Melanie released two singles on the label before switching to Buddah Records.

She first found chart success in Europe when her 1969 song Bobo's Party reached Number 1 in France. Her debut album received rave reviews from Billboard Magazine.

Later in 1969 she performed at the Woodstock Festival, where the audience lighting candles during her set inspired her song Lay Down (Candles in the Rain). The recording became a hit in Europe, Australia and the United States in the spring and summer of 1970.

Later hits included a cover of the Rolling Stones' Ruby Tuesday. She also performed at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 where she was introduced by Keith Moon and received four standing ovations, and sang to herald in the summer solstice at Glastonbury Fayre (later the Glastonbury Festival) in June 1971. In 1973 Melanie started to retreat from the spotlight to begin a family, but has released almost one album a year since 1969.