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Anyone who, at the top their game, would forgo a world tour in order to raise money for UNICEF is just 'tits' (as my Canadian friends say) in my book!  And the fact that she showed up at the ill-fated Powder Ridge Rock Festival, which I and my friends made it to, and at which she actually played!  when no one else did.  So much for the rest of those tossers that didn't, Melanie had game and my 14 year-old anarchist hormones knew it.  
See video

About 30,000 of us showed up anyway, my krewe having driven from Ohio for the weekend, and Wiki pretty much sums it up saying no entertainment, no food, and no plumbing but.......about 70 drug dealers.  Party in my book.  Anyways, she was born in Queens, graduated in New Jersey, signed with Columbia but hit pay dirt with Buddha.....records that is.  

See video

So, she played Woodstock (Melanie had an office in the same building as the festival producers and had asked to perform), Powder Ridge (and I wonder if she even got paid for it.......), Isle of Wight where she was introduced by Keith Moon.  (They should grant Keith a knighthood in absentia, shouldn't they?)  Melanie had a few hits then ~ Lay Down Lay Down, Beautiful People and What Have They Done to My Song, Ma?  and is still out there performing and recording now. 
Ruben Chandler 

Melanie's page
A guide to Melanie's recordings

43 years ago, Melanie played her set in the morning's light rain. Just about 2 months before that, tho, *Liza Williams from this here LA Free Press had a chance to sit down and talk with her. Yes, people WERE pulling for her... she seemed
a sweetheart... but, too, she had moxie... and ASKED for the invite. Am also providing this link for those of us old enough to actually have been there (has magnifier :)) http://losangelesfreepress.com/images/M69M2S25636BX.jpg
Photo: 43 years ago, Melanie played her set in the morning's light rain. Just about 2 months before that, tho, *Liza Williams from this here LA Free Press had a chance to sit down and talk with her. Yes, people WERE pulling for her... she seemed a sweetheart... but, too, she had moxie... and ASKED for the invite. Am also providing this link for those of us old enough to actually have been there (has magnifier :)) http://losangelesfreepress.com/images/M69M2S25636BX.jpg
  • Terry Greene Man, where did you find the stash of old Free Press'? Are they online somewhere? The True Story of Che Quevara? Wow! Can you tell me if I can buy one with War in it? Thanks!
  • The Los Angeles Free Press 60's Music Site We've all the Issues from '64 thru '71... as to War... 9as we are all about '69 right now) I've got them at the Golden Bear, the Brass Ring, the Whisky, and 'coming' to the Troubadour - and at Pomona College, too.
  • Terry Greene What a pot of gold! Can I send you a check for the best one? It's a present.
More about Melanie... there's our 1969 B.W (Before Woodstock) interview with her (posted 7/21 on our Page0, the performance at the Festival that you all know, and... this little gem written by her the very same year that you may not have heard (or it might be fun to remember).
One final note ~ if you know where dear Liza is - our intrepid interviewer - please tell us.... :)

Finally... you can catch some other videos on our website now... and next week see some of the old adverts... when she appeared at the Come Cluster, and with Dion, and so....
Melanie Safka | The Los Angeles Free Press 60's Music Site
www.lafpmusic.com
Political posters, 1960s articles, 60's music reviews and vintage concert ads from the original Los Angeles Free