Celebrating the life & legacy of Amy Winehouse

CAIRO – 14 September 2017: September 14 marks the birthday of late English singer Amy Winehouse, winner of five Grammy Awards; a shining star who sadly burnt out too soon.

Born in London in 1983, Winehouse grew up surrounded by jazz music, which inspired her to pursue a life of music and heavily influenced her work. Amy received her first guitar at 13, a cherished heirloom. She got a break at the age of sweet 16, when her friend passed on her demo tape to an agent searching for a new jazz singer. Winehouse was soon hitting deals with Island/Universal, and was well on her way to stardom.



She debuted in 2003 with the album "Frank," which received critical praise and earned 19-year-old Winehouse several award nominations. Winehouse struggled with her personal life, and had begun a dark descent down substance abuse, at times performing drunk. She still managed to be on top three years later for her next album, "Back to Black," which became a worldwide hit. "Rehab" off the album became her defining song;



In 2008, Winehouse became the first British female singer to win five Grammy Awards in one evening. Unfortunately, her life continued to be plagued by controversy as her drug abuse escalated, and she was denied entry into the U.S to partake in the Grammy Ceremony due to her “use and abuse of narcotics.”

Though Winehouse’s drug use and bizarre public behavior worsened gradually, she still attempted to continue her career even after stays in rehab and clinics. "Back to Black" was one of the highest selling albums of 2008, and Winehouse founded her own record label, "Lioness Records," in 2009. Alas, the specter of substance abuse eventually overwhelmed the young singer. Winehouse was found dead of alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011. She was only 27.

Winehouse’s legacy continues to live on, with the Amy Winehouse Foundation established on her birthday in 2011, when Amy would have been 28. It is dedicated to helping those suffering from addiction issues and aims to help them overcome their struggles and recover.