Amy Winehouse was a remarkable artist whose vibrant yet tragically short career ended nine years ago. She passed away on July 23, 2011, due to alcohol poisoning, joining the ranks of the infamous “27 Club.”
But long before this happened, we saw her rise to fame and gradually succumb to heartbreak, drugs and bad decisions.
Amy Winehouse: The Before and After of Drugs and Alcohol
Amy Winehouse had a singular passion from a young age: singing. Raised in the London suburb of Southgate, she was the child of a cab driver and a pharmacist.
When she was little, Winehouse was bored at school and rebelled against her teachers because she was only interested in one subject: music.
A poor girl with big dreams
At the age of 12, Amy boldly participated in the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School. In her application, she stated: “My school life and reports often reflect comments like ‘could do better’ and ‘not reaching full potential.’ I seek an environment that challenges me to my limits and perhaps even further.”
To sing in classes without being told to shut up …. But mostly I have this dream of being very famous. To work on stage. It’s a lifelong ambition. I want people to listen to my voice and just … forget their problems for 5 minutes.
Amy possessed both talent and ambition, and her school principal recognized it: “I can’t emphasize enough how unique she appeared to me as a songwriter and performer from the very first moment she entered at 13, with the same signature hairstyle she still has today.”
Her skills could put her in the same league as Judy Garland or Ella Fitzgerald. She could be one of the greats,” Sylvia Young recalled years later.
Amy was accepted into the school she wanted, where she was able to develop and hone her innate talent.
Amy Winehouse’s career took off early; she was just 19 when she secured her first record deal. In 2004, her debut album “Frank” was launched and quickly climbed to number 3 on the British charts. Amy was not only a singer but also a songwriter, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences, particularly her romantic relationships.
Amy was a white woman known for her soulful voice, as noted by critics. She found inspiration in the music of the 1960s, citing Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald as her idols. The vibrant singer embraced a 1970s fashion aesthetic, complete with her iconic beehive hairstyle and bold eyeliner. However, her immense success was often overshadowed by her increasing anxiety on stage and a fear of performing for large crowds.
Perhaps to compensate, she began wandering clubs and bars after concerts and drowned the pressure of performing in alcohol.
A tragic end
Eighteen months after their heartbreaking separation, Blake Fielder-Civil sought Amy out again, and she couldn’t turn him down. The two married, but the relationship was strained, until they divorced about 2 years later in 2009.
Winehouse’s career came to a halt. She frequently appeared on stage inebriated, and her once strong voice became feeble and empty. Crowds reacted with boos. Concerts were halted, and entire tours were canceled, citing “health reasons,” according to her management.
Everyone was aware that Amy Winehouse struggled significantly with alcohol and drugs. Amidst her heartbreak and indulgences, her health was declining. This decline affected not just her physical looks but also the quality of her concerts and public appearances.
On July 23, 2011, her bodyguard discovered her lifeless in her London flat. The cause of death was determined to be poisoning.
