The news of her death was confirmed by her publicity firm, Glass Onyon PR, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.

Just this month, Melanie had been working on her 32nd album, a collection of cover songs titled "Second Hand Smoke," for the Cleopatra label. She leaves behind three children, Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred, who expressed their heartbreak through a Facebook post, describing Melanie as an extraordinarily talented, strong, and passionate woman.

In honour of Melanie, her children requested that everyone light a candle on January 24 at 10 p.m. CT to remember her. They emphasized Melanie's profound impact on their lives and the world and believed she continues to watch over them from the stars.

Melanie's breakthrough in the music industry came with her gospel-infused collaboration with the Edwin Hawkins Singers, "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," which reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 1970. She followed up with the chart-topping hit "Brand New Key" in 1971, which garnered both childlike and suggestive interpretations. She achieved another top 10 hit in the UK with her cover of the Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday."

Reflecting on her career, Melanie revealed her initial struggle for recognition in the male-dominated folk-rock scene. She speculated that her cherubic appearance may have played a role, as the era demanded a more brooding persona from female artists. Despite the challenges, Melanie's remarkable talent and unique voice impacted the music industry.

Born in Astoria, New York, on February 3, 1947, Melanie developed her passion for performing in the folk clubs of Greenwich Village. Before she achieved radio hits, her appearance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 was a transformative experience. She later penned "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" based on that momentous event, which became one of her most beloved songs.

Melanie's husband, producer, and manager, Peter Schekeryk, passed away in 2010. In recent years, she collaborated with her son Beau Jarred and daughters Leilah and Jeordie on musical projects. Despite facing occasional bans due to her iconic use of candles during performances, Melanie was respected and admired by younger artists. Miley Cyrus even collaborated with her on a duet in 2015.

Melanie's success blossomed in the early '70s under the Buddah label before she ventured out to establish her label, becoming a trailblazer for independent artists. She recently signed with Cleopatra, a Los Angeles-based label, which planned to reissue her post-Buddah catalogue.

Shortly before her passing, Melanie recorded covers of songs like Morrissey's "Ouija Board Ouija Board" and Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" for her upcoming cover album, "Second Hand Smoke." She aimed to infuse her unique style into songs by Radiohead, the Moody Blues, Depeche Mode, and David Bowie.

Melanie's children are organizing a Celebration of Life to honour their mother, and the details will be announced in due course. Her legacy as a talented and influential artist will forever live on in her music and the hearts of her fans.