Biography
Amy Jade Winehouse (born September 14, 1983, in London, England) was an English singer-songwriter celebrated for her deeply expressive contralto vocals and her unique fusion of soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Raised in a musical family, Winehouse was exposed to jazz standards and classic soul from an early age, which shaped her musical sensibilities. She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School and later the BRIT School, developing her talents before joining the National Youth Jazz Orchestra as a teenager. Her breakthrough came in 2003 with her debut album 'Frank,' a critically acclaimed collection rooted in jazz and soul, earning her multiple award nominations and the Ivor Novello Award for 'Stronger Than Me.'[2][4][8]
Winehouse's second album, 'Back to Black' (2006), propelled her to international stardom. The album, marked by its raw lyricism and retro-soul production, became one of the best-selling albums in UK history and won her five Grammy Awards in a single night, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for 'Rehab.' Her music was lauded for its honesty and emotional depth, often reflecting her personal struggles with addiction and tumultuous relationships. Despite her immense talent and success, Winehouse's career was marred by substance abuse and health issues, leading to her untimely death from alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27. Her legacy endures as a cultural icon whose work continues to influence artists across genres.[2][4][7]
Fun Facts
- Amy Winehouse formed a short-lived rap group called Sweet 'n Sour with a childhood friend when she was just 10 years old.[3]
- She was expelled from the Sylvia Young Theatre School at age 16 for 'not applying herself' and piercing her nose.[3]
- Winehouse was the first British woman to win five Grammy Awards in a single night, tying the then-record for most wins by a female artist.[2]
- Her beehive hairstyle and winged eyeliner became iconic elements of her public image, influencing fashion trends worldwide.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Sarah Vaughan - Jazz legend and vocal inspiration; Winehouse often cited Vaughan as a key influence on her singing style. (General vocal approach and phrasing) [Childhood and early career]
- Dinah Washington - Influence on Winehouse's vocal delivery and emotional expression. (General inspiration for 'Frank' and 'Back to Black') [Childhood and early career]
- Salaam Remi - Producer and early champion; helped shape the sound of both 'Frank' and 'Back to Black.' (Frank, Back to Black) [2002–2011]
Key Collaborators
- Mark Ronson - Producer and co-writer; central to the sound of 'Back to Black.' (Back to Black (2006)) [2006–2007]
- The Dap-Kings - Brooklyn-based soul band; provided instrumental backing on 'Back to Black.' (Back to Black) [2006]
- Salaam Remi - Producer and arranger; worked closely on both of Winehouse's studio albums. (Frank, Back to Black) [2002–2011]
Artists Influenced
- Adele - Cited Winehouse as paving the way for British female soul singers in the 2000s. (19, 21) [2008–present]
- Dua Lipa - Acknowledged Winehouse's influence on her approach to songwriting and vocal style. (Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia) [2017–present]
- Sam Smith - Inspired by Winehouse's confessional lyricism and vocal delivery. (In the Lonely Hour) [2014–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Back To Black (Deluxe Edition) | 2006 | Album |
| Back To Black | 2006-10-27 | Album |
| Lioness: Hidden Treasures | 2011-01-01 | Album |
| Frank (Deluxe Edition) | 2003 | Album |
| AMY (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2015-10-30 | Album |
| Frank | 2003-10-20 | Album |
| At The BBC | 2021-05-07 | Album |
| Frank | 2003-10-20 | Album |
| Life Is Good | 2012-07-17 | Album |
| Frank (Deluxe Edition) | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Back To Black | 2006-10-27 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Valerie (feat. Amy Winehouse) - Version Revisited (Version)
- Back To Black (Back To Black (Deluxe Edition))
- You Know I'm No Good (Back To Black (Deluxe Edition))
- Valerie - Live At BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007 (Back To Black (Deluxe Edition))
- Rehab (Back To Black (Deluxe Edition))
- Tears Dry On Their Own (Back To Black (Deluxe Edition))
- Back To Black (Back To Black)
- Love Is A Losing Game (Back To Black (Deluxe Edition))
- Stronger Than Me (AMY (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
- Me & Mr Jones (Back To Black (Deluxe Edition))
External Links
Tags: #27-club, #contemporary-r&b, #crossover-jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Amy Winehouse has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2025 | 02:30 | Moody's Mood for Lovefrom Frank | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Oct 16, 2025 | 21:56 | Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?from Lioness: Hidden Treasures | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Sep 15, 2025 | 14:43 | you know i'm no goodfrom BACK TO BLACK | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |