Melanie Safka.

OK, girls and boys, more 60s-70s: This Astoria, NY native's first hit was inspired by the candles the audience lit while she played at Woodstock. Her biggest hit was banned by several radio stations because of perceived sexual innuendo. One of her compositions launched The New Seekers and was covered by Ray Charles and Nina Simone. It goes under two titles. Artist? The 3 songs? Answer: Melanie (Safka). "Lay Down (Candles In the Rain)" refers to her Woodstock experience. "Brand New Key" was banned from airplay by more than a few stations because of its racy lyrics. "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma?" and "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma" can be used interchangeably - "well, if the people are buying tears, I'll be rich some day, Ma...". Sadly, she left us in 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ52lk9wjZI&list=RDIZ52lk9wjZI&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTMTflcuug&list=RDRCTMTflcuug&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r44Ach4mXE4&list=RDr44Ach4mXE4&start_radio=1

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