Lullabies From Heaven – Melanie’s Posthumous Children’s Album Captures a Lifetime of Love and Song

Article Contributed by Cleopatra Records | Published on Monday, October 13, 2025

Woodstock legend Melanie’s final album Lullabies From Heaven unites four generations in a heartfelt GRAMMY®-worthy children’s collection.

When Woodstock legend and hitmaker Melanie Safka passed away on January 23, 2024, work was just beginning on one of the most cherished long-term projects of her career — a full-blown children’s album.

She had toyed with the concept for decades. At Woodstock itself, she performed “Animal Crackers.” Her 1968 debut album included an adaptation of A.A. Milne’s “Christopher Robin Is Saying His Prayers,” and “Alexander Beetle,” which she’d been performing since her teen years, remained in her setlists half a century later.

Now, she declared, she was finally going to do it — and nothing, she joked, was going to stop her. And it didn’t. After her passing, Melanie’s three children — daughters Leilah and Jeordie, and son Beau Jarred — lovingly carried her vision forward. They delved into her most recent recordings and a treasure trove of archival material to create the album their mother always dreamed of completing.

With songs Melanie recorded as far back as the mid-1960s — many unheard until now — Lullabies From Heaven is both a revelation for longtime fans and an intimate rediscovery of an artist whose creativity transcended generations. Melanie, who became the first solo performer to have three singles simultaneously on the Billboard chart, remains best known for timeless hits like “Brand New Key,” covered by artists from Olivia Newton-John to Todd Rundgren to The Wurzels, who took it to #1 in the UK.

Six of the recordings on Lullabies From Heaven date to Melanie’s teenage years, while others trace her remarkable career through the decades. Her children also entered the studio to sing and play, with Melanie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren lending their voices as well — four generations united on one magical record.

This charming collection includes beloved lullabies such as “Puff The Magic Dragon,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and “Teddy Bear’s Picnic,” alongside original Melanie compositions including “Skinny Bone Jones” (co-written with Jeordie), “Ring Around The Moon,” and “Garden In The City.”

Many of these songs carried deep meaning for the family. Hearing Melanie’s teenage rendition of “Puff The Magic Dragon” brought back memories of her singing it to her children at bedtime. “Teddy Bear’s Picnic,” performed by Beau Jarred, was another favorite. “I’m beyond glad we got to do that one for her,” Beau recalls.

“These songs are all so special and all have their own place in my heart,” says Jeordie. “Momma was always such an inspiration and incredible craftswoman of songs. All these songs have had a unique place in our hearts — especially now. We are excited to share these with everyone… from our family to yours.”

Leilah adds, “I love singing with my family! There were so many little magical moments where I really felt Mom’s spirit with us. Just truly special!”

Credits

Lullabies From Heaven released May 2025 on Cleopatra Records

Recordings:
“Rain, Rain Go Away,” “Puff The Magic Dragon,” “Hobo’s Lullaby,” “Riddle Song,” “Garden In The City,” and “Alexander Beetle” were recorded by Larry Kassab (1963–1965).
“Alexander Beetle” (bonus track) and “Animal Crackers” recorded by Peter Schekeryk (circa 1972).
“Duck Bottom Boat” recorded by Beau Jarred (2016).

Lead Vocals: Melanie (all except where noted)