Memories of Melanie: A friend shares fun times with the singer

03/21/24 • 61 min

When singer/songwriter Melanie Safka died in January, many people remembered her for the #1 pop song "Brand New Key" (also known as the roller skate song.) But those of us who loved her know that her biggest hit never conveyed the richness of her career and her talents.
That's why I asked photographer Maddy Miller to join us on I Couldn't Throw It Out. Not only did Maddy take iconic photos of Melanie, including the cover photo on Melanie's gold album Gather Me, she also was Melanie's close friend for more than 50 years. While sharing some of the gifts she received from Melanie, Maddy tells never-heard stories about their adventures – including an excellent close encounter with The Who's Keith Moon.
Though Melanie released dozens of albums and wrote new songs for six decades, little is known about the full scope of her life and music. Find out what you missed – and what you could still enjoy – as we look back on her performance at Woodstock, and the varied songs that won her a legion of passionate fans.
Plus, I share my never-heard interview with Melanie and my authentic mementoes from the '70s. Will I toss 'em? Let's just say that Maddy figures out what to do with her own treasures. Listen and find out...
MORE ABOUT MELANIE
Maddy Miller's personal collection of Melanie photos: See the gallery
My playlist of favorite Melanie songs: Listen now

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03/21/24 • 61 min

I Couldn’t Throw It Out - Memories of Melanie: A friend shares fun times with the singer

Transcript

I Couldn't Throw It Out, Season 2, Episode 23
Memories of Melanie: A Friend Shares Her Treasures
Michael Small:
Hello and welcome to I Couldn't Throw It Out. On this episode, we're paying tribute to a singer -songwriter named Melanie, whose death in January was a really sad moment for many of us. Chances are, you remember Melanie from the chorus of this number one pop hit.
[Song excerpt begins]
Well, I've got a brand new pair of roller skates
You've got a brand new key
[So

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