In Memory Of The Late Amy Winehouse — Ten Years On

Jul 23, 2021 by apost team

It’s been 10 years since the world lost one of its brightest stars and best musicians, Amy Winehouse. The star was known for her breathtaking and unique vocals and the amount of soul she was able to imbue in her music. Her lyricism was different from her peers and helped her stand out in the crowd. And we can’t forget her iconic style: thick, black winged eyeliner and a beehive hairdo reminiscent of women’s looks from the 1960s. Winehouse had a huge heart and shared her love and talent with those she trusted, and her contributions to the music industry have since made her a legend to many.

Born on Sept. 14, 1983, Winehouse grew up in London’s Southgate area. Music coursed through her family’s veins as many of her maternal uncles were jazz musicians. They inspired her to venture into the field, and her love for older-sounding music weaved into what became her defining sound. As she got older and made her mark in the music industry, it became apparent that Winehouse had a talent like no other. She went on to win plenty of awards and was honored for redefining and reshaping the style of music that was popular at the time.

The British singer also had some personal demons that she was facing. Her troubles seeped into her music and performances, along with her stories about love and heartbreak. On July 23, 2011, Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning in London, England, at the age of 27. Since her death, Winehouse’s music, looks and personality have gone on to inspire fans and artists alike. This year marks the singer’s 10th death anniversary, and the BBC has released a documentary titled “Amy Winehouse: 10 Years On” to commemorate her life and legacy.

During her life, Winehouse got to live out her dream of being a singer and met and worked with some of her own idols before becoming a star herself. She worked with Salaam Remi, Mark Ronson and one of her personal heroes, Tony Bennett. Winehouse’s debut album, “Frank,” was released in October 2003 and was filled with a jazz sound and songs mostly written by the singer herself. She followed it up three years later with one of her most successful records to ever be released, “Back to Black.” 

The album featured a song with the same name, as well as other hits such as “You Know I’m No Good,” “Love Is A Losing Game” and “Rehab.” Winehouse’s craft was well received and respected and ultimately made her a standout in the industry. A deluxe edition was released in November 2007 that featured rare live performances, including the song “Valerie.”

Winehouse received the Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist in 2007, and “Back to Black” was nominated for British Album of the Year that same year. In 2008, she won five Grammy Awards, including some of the most acclaimed awards of the night such as Best New Artists, Records of the Year and Song of the Year. Making history, Winehouse became the first British woman to win five Grammys. Some of her final appearances before her death included a surprise showing at the Roundhouse on July 20, 2011, in Camden. She had also recorded a duet with Bennett for his upcoming album “Duets II."

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The songstress had also found love during her time in the spotlight and was married to Blake Fielder-Civil from 2007 to 2009. He had admitted to introducing Winehouse to harder drugs, as per NME, and has been partially blamed for the singer’s death. However, Winehouse’s mother, Janis Winehouse, has defended Fielder-Civil, and said that “love was at the heart” of their relationship despite its complications, as per OK! Magazine.

Winehouse’s artistry was legendary, but she struggled with her inner demons, which led her to have issues with drugs, alcohol and her overall mental health. These problems consumed her troubled soul, ultimately leading to the singer’s untimely death on July 23, 2011. Janis has spoken out about her daughter’s issues and has brought awareness to finding help for people with addictions. “Addiction is a mental illness and that is the true villain in this story,” she said.

Forbes reported that “Amy Winehouse: 10 Years On” was commissioned by BBC Two and BBC Music and was produced by Curious Films. The documentary is told through the eyes of Winehouse’s mother Janis and includes never-before-seen footage of the late singer and her family life. The female-driven perspective is aimed at uplifting fans and showing Winehouse through a more sensitive yet powerful point of view. 

“Amy was a true musical icon, and we couldn’t be prouder to help those closest to Amy reclaim her story, 10 years after her death,” Curious Films executive producer Dov Freedman said. Janis has also shared her thoughts on the film. “I don’t feel the world knew the true Amy, the one that I brought up, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to offer an understanding of her roots and a deeper insight into the real Amy,” she said.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since the world lost Amy Winehouse. Will you be watching the new documentary about her? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to all the Amy Winehouse fans you know.