Tribute: Amy Winehouse, 1983-2011

http://fireinthetacobell.tumblr.com/

The legend herself

By Tara Montgomary

Amy Winehouse, a talented singer whose soulful voice is often overshadowed by her constant problems with drug and alcohol abuse, was found dead Saturday, July 23, 2011, in her flat in London’s Camden area.  According to the London Ambulance Services and police reports, Winehouse died before crews arrived at her house.  Although the police have said that they do not know the reason for her death, many believe that her self-destructive behavior and her problems with addiction are the cause.  Winehouse’s problem with substance abuse has been in the tabloids since 2007 and even the main topic of her hit song, “Rehab”.  But here at USD Radio, we remember her for her outstanding voice, rather than her self –destructive habits.

After many years of toying with her brother’s guitar and writing her own songs, Winehouse made her first musical breakthrough in 2003 with the debut of her album Frank.  The album received positive reviews throughout the United Kingdom for her unique voice and lyrics.  People even began comparing Winehouse to great singers such as Macy Gray, Sarah Vaughan, and much more.

In early October 2006, Winehouse released Back to Black, which is her most popular album to this day.  With hit songs such as “Love Is a Losing Game” and “Rehab”, the album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and number seven on the Billboard 200 in the United States.  Her hit song “Rehab” was even declared Song of the Year in 2008 by Time Magazine.  By the end of 2008, Amy Winehouse became a well-known artist throughout the world.  She even became the first British singer to win five Grammys.  The success of her album, Back to Black, and her one-of-a-kind image helped her pave the pathway for other British female soul singers including Jessie J, Duffy, and Adele.  Even singers from the United States such as Lady Gaga credit Amy Winehouse for their rise to fame.

By creating an unforgettable sound through her mix of genres such as R&B, soul, and jazz, Winehouse’s unique voice will never be forgotten.  The world may have had to say goodbye to Amy Winehouse this Saturday, but she will forever live in the hearts of her fans.  USD Radio is sad to lose such a great talent in the music industry and would like to remind our readers to remember Winehouse for her remarkable talent, instead of solely a beehived singer who was constantly battling problems with drugs and alcohol.