The world was saddened, but not shocked to learn that troubled English rock superstar Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London apartment at the age of 27.

Amy was born on September 14, 1983 as Amy Jade Winehouse. She burst onto the music scene at the tender age of 19 when a  demo she made ended up with one of the subsidiary labels of the Universal Music Group and her first release “Frank,”  became a much talked about work of art where Amy became an overnight star. Unfortunately Amy wasn’t yet mature enough for the instant praise and attention she received.

Her music and her voice was all her own. Amy successfully blended R &B, Blues and soul into her music. She additionally was untouchable in her brilliance on stage, she was an upscale Lady Gaga long before there was a Lady Gaga. Amy’s piecing green eyes, pale white skin, jet black hair and frail thin body had her look every part of the rocker chick that she was. And she unfortunately also try lived the part of a rock goddess with a long list of indiscretions with drugs, alcohol and profanity laced fits of rage. That was her untimely undoing.

Amy had it all. The killer voce, the great rocker chick look, a major record deal, a management company headed by the brainchild behind The Spice Girls and American Idol, yet like so many other talented individuals chasing the high of drugs was greater than enjoying the appreciation of the fans. It is selfish really, but it was their life to lead. Who’s to say that her drug riddled shirt life didn’t help produce  some of her greatest accomplishments.  Amy’s 2006 song release Rehab says it all and I think will forever speak beyond the grave for Amy and her addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Rehab 

by  Amy Winehouse

They tried to make me go to rehab, I said, “No, no, no”
Yes, I’ve been black but when I come back you’ll know, know, know
I ain’t got the time and if my daddy thinks I’m fine
He’s tried to make me go to rehab, I won’t go, go, go

I’d rather be at home with Ray
I ain’t got seventeen days
‘Cause there’s nothing, there’s nothing you can teach me
That I can’t learn from Mr. Hathaway

I didn’t get a lot in class
But I know we don’t come in a shot glass

They tried to make me go to rehab, I said, “No, no, no”
Yes, I’ve been black but when I come back you’ll know know know
I ain’t got the time and if my daddy thinks I’m fine
He’s tried to make me go to rehab, I won’t go, go, go

The man said, “Why do you think you here?”
I said, “I got no idea”
I’m gonna, I’m gonna lose my baby
So I always keep a bottle near

He said, “I just think you’re depressed
Kiss me, yeah baby and go rest”

They tried to make me go to rehab, I said, “No, no, no”
Yes, I’ve been black but when I come back you’ll know, know, know

I don’t ever wanna drink again
I just, ooh, I just need a friend
I’m not gonna spend ten weeks
Have everyone think I’m on the mend

And it’s not just my pride
It’s just ’til these tears have dried

They tried to make me go to rehab, I said, “No, no, no”
Yes, I’ve been black but when I come back you’ll know, know, know
I ain’t got the time and if my daddy thinks I’m fine
He’s tried to make me go to rehab, I won’t go, go, go

RIP Amy Jade Winehouse

September 14, 1983 –  July 23, 2011