11/01/2025
Amy Winehouse (1983–2011) was an English singer and songwriter whose unique blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and pop made her one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 21st century. Despite her brief career, Winehouse's powerful voice, raw emotional vulnerability, and candid lyrics garnered widespread acclaim. She became known not only for her distinctive musical style but also for her turbulent personal life, which often played out in the public eye.
Born on September 14, 1983, in London, Amy Jade Winehouse was raised in a Jewish family. Her early exposure to music came from her father, Mitch Winehouse, a taxi driver and aspiring singer, and her mother, Janis, who was a pharmacist. Amy developed a passion for singing at a young age and was deeply influenced by jazz and soul music, particularly the work of artists like Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, and Frank Sinatra. She began her professional career in her teens and signed her first record deal at the age of 20.
Winehouse's debut album, Frank (2003), was met with critical acclaim and established her as a promising new voice in British music. The album featured a blend of jazz, soul, and hip-hop influences, with Amy's distinctive voice and sharp lyrics about love, heartache, and self-reflection. While Frank earned her comparisons to jazz legends, it was her follow-up album, Back to Black (2006), that would propel her to international stardom and cement her place in music history.
Back to Black is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the 2000s. The album's mix of retro soul, Motown-inspired rhythms, and Winehouse's deeply personal lyrics made it a critical and commercial success. The hit singles "Rehab," "Back to Black," "You Know I'm No Good," and "Tears Dry on Their Own" showcased her distinct vocal style and raw emotional depth. "Rehab," in particular, became one of her signature songs, with its catchy chorus and self-aware lyrics about refusing to go to rehab. The song became an anthem of defiance and independence, while also reflecting Amy's own struggles with addiction and personal demons.