The Firsts of Many For Melanie Safka

Melanie Safka was among the freshest performers to appear at Woodstock. Her career was just starting then, and she was not as used to performing to a massive audience as the other acts. Not to mention, the rain needed her to exert more effort. Nevertheless, Safka rocked her performance, serving as the first of many achievements.

By 1970, she reached international stardom for releasing the hit “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” inspired by her experience at the festival. It was said that the Woodstock audience lit up candles and lighters during her performance. The song broke charts in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Canada.