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Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse, a talented singer and songwriter, was born into a family with a strong connection to music. Her father, Mitchell Winehouse, worked as a billboard installer, taxi driver and amateur singer, and her mother, Janis, was a pharmacist. Since her childhood, Amy demonstrated a natural talent for music. However, her youth was marked by family challenges, such as her parents' divorce when she was just nine years old. It was at this time that she began attending the Susi Earnshaw Theater School, where she was able to develop her vocal and musical skills. Her talent continued to shine, which earned her a scholarship at the Sylvia Young Theater School. Amy later entered the Brit Performing Arts and Technology School, where, at age 14, she began experimenting with psychoactive substances. At 15, she was already performing in jazz clubs.

Amy Winehouse was deeply influenced by a diversity of musical genres. Her father introduced her to jazz and American soul, while her mother familiarized her with lyricists such as James Taylor and Carole King. The music of Thelonious Monk and Ray Charles, which she heard through her brother, also had a significant influence on her musical journey. Furthermore, the hip hop and R&B of Salt-n-Pepa and TLC attracted his attention due to the authenticity of the lyrics. These influences blended into his debut album, "Frank". Upon moving to Camden Town, Amy was exposed to an even wider variety of styles, including soul, blues and 1960s Motown, which contributed to her musical evolution. She also found inspiration in ska and reggae artists such as The Specials, as well as being influenced by gospel music and artists such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonde.

During a time of turbulence and inactivity in the music industry, Amy Winehouse faced significant challenges. Her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil and the loss of her grandmother affected her deeply, leading her to struggle with addiction and eating disorders. This battle had a negative impact on his physical and mental health. Feeling pressured by her record company and frustrated with the restrictions placed on her art, Winehouse decided to break her contract and embark on creating her second album, "Back to Black." Inspired by her own experiences, she has created work that has been acclaimed by both critics and audiences alike, presenting a more accessible and emotive approach. The success of singles like "Rehab" propelled Winehouse to international stardom.

After receiving awards and recognition, Amy Winehouse faced health problems due to substance and tobacco use, being diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema. This led her to cancel shows and seek treatment. Despite attempting to return to music, she faced difficulties, including criticized performances and persistent health problems, leading her to announce her return to treatment. His last public appearance was during a Dionne Bromfield concert.

Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home in Camden Square, London. Her bodyguard reported that she had consumed alcohol moderately after a period of abstinence. An investigation determined that his death was accidental, the result of excessive alcohol consumption after abstinence, with levels five times above the legal limit for driving. Winehouse died at the age of 27, and her funeral took place at Edgwarebury Cemetery, in London, followed by the creation of a foundation by the family to help young people with drug addiction. After the inquest was reopened in 2012, reports confirmed the cause of death as alcohol poisoning.

The biographical film "Back to Black", released in 2024, portrays the life and career of Amy Winehouse, with Marisa Abela in the lead role and directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, from a script by Matt Greenhalgh. The cast also includes Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan, Juliet Cowan and Lesley Manville. After several failed attempts to create a film about Winehouse, the project finally moved forward in 2022, with filming taking place in London between January and April 2023.