The death of Melanie Safka was reported yesterday.

She was best known for her work in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, but she continued performing throughout her life. Here is a small selection from her live performances over the years.

MELANIE 26 minutes of bliss – 1971:

When I was a young man living in England there was a series of “In Concert” TV programmes broadcast with singer / songwriters of the day including Neil Young, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell and of course Melanie Safka. This particular short “concert” was recorded in London on 14/7/1971 and broadcast 8/1/1972. I remember being mesmerised by Melanie’s performance, and its power has not diminished over the intervening years, although sadly the “peace and love” message, so prominent in Melanie’s lyrics, never really got much further than 1971, we all hoped it would after the short lived “halcyon” years of hope from 1967 – 1970. As Joni Mitchell sang in 1972 on California ” Sitting in a park in Paris, France, Reading the news and it sure looks bad, They won’t give peace a chance, That was just a dream some of us had …. “. I’ve remastered this as best I can from the original tape I had – I hope you enjoy it. Peace!

Lay Down / Candles In The Rain MELANIE & DAUGHTERS Live ’91:

MELANIE & MILEY CYRUS Look What They’ve Done To My Song, Ma (2015)