Amy Winehouse, one of the most talented singers of her generation whose hit song "Rehab" , summed up her struggles with addiction, died in London on Saturday (July 23rd,2011) at the age of 27.
The Grammy winner, famed for her black beehive hair, soulful voice and erratic behavior on and off stage, was found dead at her new home in Camden a month after a shambolic performance in Serbia forced her to cancel her entire European tour.
Police were called to the address at around 1500 GMT (8.30 pm IST) and nearly five hours later the body was removed for a post mortem after it appeared she had lost her battle with drink and drugs.
"Inquiries continue into the circumstances of the death," said police superintendent Raj Kohli. "At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained and there have been no arrests in connection with the incident." He said reports that Winehouse had died of a suspected drugs overdose were speculation at this stage.
Her last filmed performance was in Serbia in June, when Winehouse was jeered by the crowd as she struggled to perform her songs and stay upright. On some tunes, the audience did most of the singing. The gig, posted on YouTube, prompted her management to cancel all scheduled performances and give the performer as long as it took to recover.
Winehouse's record label Universal said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."
Around 50 shocked fans and onlookers as well as camera crews and photographers gathered behind police tape blocking off the leafy street where Winehouse had just moved into a new house.
A few left flowers, candles and a teddy bear. One note of condolence read: "Beautiful Amy, night night, sleep tight."
The Recording Academy in the United States praised the singer, who brought elements of jazz and Motown back into the musical mainstream.
"Her rich, soulful and unique voice reflected her honest songwriting and earned her a devoted fan following, critical acclaim, and the genuine respect and admiration of her musical peers," said its president Neil Portnow.
Broadcaster and radio DJ Paul Gambaccini said Winehouse's early death was sadly no surprise. "We have been dreading this news for some time, hoping against hope that she would turn herself around, but she showed no evidence of being able to do so," he told BBC TV.
"She just could not control herself. It's tragic because both (her) albums were superb. We have 40 years of Frank Sinatra records, it turns out we only have two Amy Winehouse records."
Daniel Rossellat, founder of the Paleo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland, where Winehouse had been due to perform before withdrawing from the tour, likened her to Janis Joplin, another gifted singer who died at the age of 27.
"It is the tragic end to a wonderful voice, similar to Janis Joplin both in destiny and in voice," he told Swiss television.
Soccer star and celebrity David Beckham told Sky News: "It's very sad, she was such a talented girl, and a girl with such a huge future. Our hearts go out to her family, her loved ones."
Sarah Brown, wife of former prime minister Gordon Brown, tweeted: "sad sad news of Amy Winehouse -- great talent, extraordinary voice, and tragic death, condolences to her family."
Kelly Osbourne, a singer and television personality, also took to the micro blogging site, writing: "i cant even breath right now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"
Singer Billy Bragg wrote on his Twitter page that Winehouse joined not only Joplin but also Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain — who all died at the same age.
Regardless of her demons, It is a true tragedy to lose such an amazing talent. At this time, I would like everyone to put aside their judgement of Amy, And remember her for her beautiful lyrics, And stunning voice.
R.I.P Miss Winehouse, Your Legacy WIll Live on Forever
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LONDON (Reuters) - Toxicology tests showed there were no illegal substances in British singer Amy Winehouse's system when she died last month aged 27, her spokesman said on Tuesday.
In a statement, he added that alcohol was present, but that it could not be determined what part, if any, it played in her death.
"Toxicology results returned to the Winehouse family by authorities have confirmed that there were no illegal substances in Amy's system at the time of her death," the statement read.
mcgrathswrath94 6 months ago 5
Can someone please let me know exactly where I can find this version? It's hauntingly beautiful now that she's gone and I want to buy a copy. Thanks.
scirica 7 months ago
@scirica Its on her debut album, Frank
mcgrathswrath94 7 months ago
It's so sad.. such a tragedy. People need to realise that there is so much more to a person than whats on the outside. The pain on the inside of us is what drives us to give into our worst and most feared demons. People should of took notice to what she was feeling when she was here, and she wouldn't be gone. She needed our love, not our criticism. And now the world has lost another amazing musician, woman, family member and friend. And for what? She didn't have to die.
kazlee93 7 months ago 13
@kazlee93 Completely agree. Well said.
mcgrathswrath94 7 months ago 3