Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk (born February 3, 1947 in Astoria, New York City) is an American singer-songwriter.

Usually known professionally as Melanie, she is best known for her hits "Brand New Key," "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," and "Look What They've Done To My Song, Ma." Melanie has sold over 25 million records over the course of her career.

• from SHE April 1971 : Sipping peppermint tea heavily laced with honey, periodically nibbling nuts and raisins from a plastic big which she says she takes everywhere with her, Melanie confirmed she's a health food fiend and a strict vegetarian. "I used to eat meat but my mother's a strict vegetarian when she explained to me why she doesn't eat meat, I stopped too." Melanie can't remember her mother's explanation.
• "I don't eat animals" on album Leftover Wine, (to this day one of the great Vegetarian anthems), Melanie was the poster girl for healthy living.