Amy Winehouse, an English singer-songwriter and five-time Grammy Award winner, was known for her hits ‘Rehab’ (and ‘You Know It’s No Good’). Amy Jade Winehouse was born in Enfield, London on September 14, 1983 to a Jewish family of Russian descent on her mother’s father’s side. Mitchell Winehouse was her father and Janis Winehouse (nee Seaton) was her mother. Her family was supportive of her passion for theater and music. Amy grew up listening to jazz music. She played the guitar with her brother and got her own guitar when she was 13. Amy Winehouse, young, was rebellious. She was 14 when she was expelled by Sylvia Young Theatre School, Marylebone. She pierced and tattooed herself at that time. After a brief stint at the BRIT School in Croydon she began her professional career as a 16-year-old, performing occasional club gigs and recording demos for low prices. Frank (2003) was her debut album, which featured jazz and won her many nominations. She went through a difficult relationship and personal turmoil over the following years. She also struggled with substance abuse. Her 2006 album, ‘Back on Black’, was an international success. ‘Rehab” reached No. 9 on the US pop chart. Her big break came in 2008. Amy Winehouse was the first British female artist to win five Grammy Awards the same night. Because she couldn’t make it to Los Angeles, her Grammy performance was transmitted via satellite from London. Winehouse performed a series of highly successful performances in 2008, following her success at the Grammy Awards. She was hospitalized in June with a serious lung condition. She was discharged from hospital and returned to London’s Hyde Park for one night to sing for Nelson Mandela at his 90th birthday celebration. Rehab and Valerie were her hits, and she received cheers from the crowds. Mandela even smiled at her. Winehouse also performed at Roman Abramovich’s Moscow party, where she was paid $2 million for the one-hour gig. Amy Winehouse created a unique style. Her trademark beehive haircut has become the fashion icon for fashion designers. While her vulnerability, fragile personality, and self-destructive behaviour have been frequent tabloid news and subject to criticism and controversy, it has also been the basis of fashion magazines. She was voted second worst personality in Britain and second best “ultimate hero” by the British public in April 2008. George Michael called her “the best female vocalist” in his career, while Keith Richards warned her that her behavior would not change and she wouldn’t last long. Amy Winehouse’s musical style was cross-cultural and cross genre. She tried a variety of styles, including soul, jazz, pop, reggae and world beat.
