Winehouse, Amy (1983-2011), was a popular and controversial British singer and songwriter known for her throaty, soulful singing voice and striking appearance. During her short career, she gained as much international attention for her substance abuse, legal, health, and other personal problems as for her musical successes. In 2008, Winehouse became the first British woman to win five Grammy Awards. She won Grammys for record of the year, song of the year, and best female pop vocal performance for the single “Rehab.” Her album Back to Black won a Grammy for best pop vocal album. Winehouse also earned a Grammy as best new artist. In 2012, after her death, she shared a Grammy with the American singer Tony Bennett for best duo performance for “Body and Soul.”
Amy Jade Winehouse was born on Sept. 14, 1983, in London. At age 10, she performed in a duo called Sweet ‘n’ Sour. She began playing guitar at age 13 and began writing music a year later. Winehouse attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School and the BRIT School, both in London.
Winehouse’s first album, Frank, was released in the United Kingdom in 2003, where it became a critical and commercial success. The album came out in the United States in 2007.
Winehouse’s second album, Back to Black, was released in the United Kingdom in 2006 and in the United States in 2007. It became the best-selling album in the United Kingdom in 2007. In addition to “Rehab,” the album included the hit “You Know I’m No Good.” Winehouse wrote both songs.
Winehouse’s other notable songs include “Stronger Than Me” (2003); and “Back to Black,” “Love Is a Losing Game,” and “Tears Dry on Their Own” (all 2006). Winehouse wrote or co-wrote all those songs.
After the great success of Back to Black, Winehouse failed to release another album. She attracted publicity for her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction and for her turbulent marriage from 2007 to 2009 to Blake Fielder-Civil, a British music video producer. Winehouse died of accidental alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011.
