Amy Winehouse Found Dead - My Tribute

I was shocked to hear the news that today, 23rd July 2011, Miss Amy Winehouse was found dead at her London home. The cause of death as yet is unknown. I saw her perform live several years ago and was spellbound by her singing. She was 27 years old, which seems such a waste of one of the most talented singers that Britain has ever produced.

Amy was famed for her beehive hair-do, revealing clothes, and her many tattoos, but first and foremost she was a very successful and talented singer. Her debut album "Frank" was released in 2003, and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. In 2006, she released her second album entitled "Back to Black" which won her five Grammy Awards and made her into the top female soul artist of her time. Her style of music was very varied and included R&B, soul and jazz. On Valentines Day 2007 she won a Brit Award for best British Female Artist.

Amy had a huge list of hits, most of which were about drugs, sadness, loss and failure. Some of her most famous songs are:

Rehab

Valerie

Back to Black

Tears dry on their own

Love is a losing game

Just friends

I told you I was trouble

Stronger than me

You know I'm no good

Sadly Amy had become known for her mental health problems, along with her drug and alcohol abuse. In Miami on 18th May 2007, Amy married Blake Fielder-Civil, but their marriage was very rocky and abusive. She was reported in the press as having an eating disorder around this time because of the obvious weight loss. Blake was imprisoned from 21st July 2008 until 25th February 2009 for assaulting a pub landlord and trying to pervert the course of justice. During this time, Amy struggled with drink and drugs and became very depressed. Her worried father made an appeal to her fans not to buy her music, this was in an attempt to try to shock her from taking any more drugs. After his release from prison, he filed for divorce and this was finalised on 28th August 2009. Amy's life has been troubled and traumatic and at times very lonely. She was reported to have checked-in at the world famous Priory Clinic in May of this year, but stayed only a week.

On 18th June 2011, Amy was in Belgrade performing live and was drunk and disorientated on stage. She forgot the lyrics to her songs and could not remember where she was. It became apparent that she was not in a fit state to continue touring, and cancelled the rest of her tours.

You were troubled, but now are at peace.

You can rest and will never hurt again.

For a while you lost your way, but can see clearly now.

No one really knew your pain, but now it has gone.

Let Him wrap you in his arms and take you into Heaven.

You will be sadly missed, but never forgotton.

Sleep peacefully in the knowledge that we'll smile when we think of you.

Amy's life was tragically cut short, and I hope than she is remembered for her music and achievements, and not for the demons that haunted her. Unfortunately she was a victim of her own circumstances which has left the world a poorer place without her.