Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Brian Jones, and Jim Morrison are all members of the infamously tragic 27 Club. Another member, and the one who unfortunately most recently joined, was Amy Winehouse. Winehouse was, without question, one of the most popular and innovative acts of the early 2000s. She didn’t take part in the fads of the decade, and consequently, her legacy became outlined by a rim of innovation. However, her legacy is also outlined by a rim of tragedy, as the British singer became the most recent member of the storied club on this day, July 23, 2011.
Before Winehouse passed away in 2011, she released the acclaimed singles “Back To Black”, “Rehab”, “You Know I’m No Good”, and “Valerie”. The notable albums she released during her career include her debut album, Frank, and Back To Black. Her musical catalog won her seven Grammys, garnered her a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and scored her two top ten hits on the Billboard 200. The British singer, who infused several genres flawlessly, achieved a lot during her short time in the music scene, and today marked its devastating end.
A Brief Look Into Amy Winehouse’s Trials & Tribulations
For the majority of her career, the public didn’t just know Amy Winehouse for her music. As the masses were also familiar with her health complications and struggles with drugs and alcohol. In addition to being an addict, Winehouse also suffered from bulimia, bipolar disorder, and briefly, emphysema. Though the issue that, of course, attracted the most attention was Winehouse’s substance abuse.
During her career, Winehouse’s road to recovery was captured on numerous occasions. Notably, Winehouse stated, “I’m of the school of thought where, if you can’t sort something out for yourself, no one can help you” and “Rehab is great for some people but not others,” per the BBC.
Roughly a month after Winehouse’s final stint in rehab, she passed away from alcohol poisoning. While Winehouse’s struggles with drugs and alcohol are a notable part of her legacy, it is unfair to remember Winehouse as solely just another tortured artist. She was much more, and it shows in her short yet incredibly impactful career. Since her passing in 2011, another artist like Amy Winehouse has yet to come around. Frankly, and thanks to her unique disposition and sound, there might not ever be another one.
Photo by Mark Holloway/Redferns
