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The Musical Life of Melanie

From the Village to Woodstock and Beyond

The Musical Life of Melanie cover

The Musical Life of Melanie

From the Village to Woodstock and Beyond

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In stock
$30.60 RRP $34.00 Website price saving $3.40 (10%)

Description

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.

Product details

Published Feb 04 2025
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 280
ISBN 9798881801625
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Illustrations 12 BW Photos
Dimensions 9 x 6 inches
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Craig Harris

Craig Harris is a music historian, educator, story…

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