Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen.
– Amy Winehouse
September 14, 1983 – July 23, 2011
Even though I can visualize and conceptualize numbers, I have a shortage of passion for spreadsheet dynamics hence I am not known for my wizardry at math. What I do know goes like this – the illustriousness of an artist and a work of art lies in direct proportion to the passion that fuels her/his vision and creativity. On the anniversary of the tragic death of Amy Winehouse at age 27, her music and persona echo with the same haunting beauty as when she first emerged as an original artist.
At age 19, she recorded her debut album Frank. At the of age 24, with a thin line between her art and life, the British jazz singer won 5 Grammys: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album. She performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebration and has been compared to Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday for her retro-tinged soulful sounds.
Amy’s volatile personal life provided the impetus for her anthem “Rehab” while her passion for the man she loved spawned her Platinum album Back to Black. Her exquisite voice and intimate lyrics rival the intensity of obsession. Tangled in a relationship ultimately doomed – her finest work came from her darkest place.
I write songs about stuff that I can’t really get past personally – and then I write a song about it and I feel better.
– Amy Winehouse
A true artist, Amy did exactly what she said she would. A remarkable singer and songwriter, the press and paparazzi preyed on her vulnerabilities feeding their insatiable hunger for sensation. A carnival of voyeurism built on tabloid images of her addictions bombarded the world. One day revered, the next day ridiculed.
There’s no point in saying anything but the truth.
– Amy Winehouse
The biopic Amy by Asif Kapadia opened earlier this anniversary month of her death. Composed of cellphone footage deftly spliced together, Amy narrates many of the scenes as she guides us on her tumultuous journey. We experience her South London upbringing, witness interviews with family, close friends and fellow musicians and experience her unbounded relationships. She documents every aspect of her life, exposes her insecurities, performs and transforms, and in an eerie way even foreshadows the end. Known for her deep vocals, and eclectic mix of soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock n’ roll and reggae, this intimate portrait of the young artist brings her to life.
Life’s short. Anything could happen, and it usually does, so there is no point in sitting around thinking about all the ifs, ands and buts.
– Amy Winehouse
Amy’s personal demons and introduction to hard drugs brewed up a lethal cocktail. I do not condemn or condone her addictions. I am drawn to her sultry voice and sass but most of all I have profound respect for her creative passion. When asked in a 2007 interview with the Guardian, how she would like to be remembered, she replied, “As genuine.”
Amy the artist exemplifies the math of awe-inspiring art. While her musical contributions rank among some of the greatest jazz singers, she will forever be remembered for her fiery passion that found release in her music.
I don’t regret anything.
– Amy Winehouse
In no way do I mean to glorify the dangers of hard drugs or alcohol abuse responsible for Amy’s tragic death. I do mean to celebrate Amy’s brief but intense life – and illuminate the catalyst for her creativity.
Pretending doesn’t count in art and life. Passion does.
Touching tribute to a troubled soul.
Peggy Boag
So glad you devoted your July blog to Amy Winehouse. I saw the movie, can’t wait to see it again and am re-acquainting myself with the music that I knew and discovering the music (and much of the story of her life) I DIDN’T know – she was truly an old soul – I think, many old souls, and she documented her life & passions by writing incredible poetry and music. Some of the songs I listen to over and over – catchy or mournful tunes evoking a long-ago time and place. I believe she is the reincarnation of somebody, maybe several people, from the 20’s or 30’s or maybe long long ago like thousands of years. She was like a comet meant only to flame briefly and burn out, staying only long enough to leave a creation to leave people wondering about the nature of life, love, addiction, fame, money, and corruption. I know I sure spent time thinking about all of those things after seeing the movie. Anyone that yearns for fame and celebrity had better heed a warning there.
But mainly I fell in love with her and have so much compassion for her as she tried to navigate the powerful forces buffeting her every which way.
Yesterday a mourning dove flew into my house and briefly stayed with me, keeping me company (usually only hummingbirds do that) and then eventually flew out again, after I had left. Today it was the fourth anniversary of Amy”s death. Maybe it was her coming to visit – you know that animals are powerful spiritual messengers! Thanks again for making this month’s blog about her.
As always, I loved your blog. Your appreciation of Amy Winehouse's artistry fired something in me with your message, hitting on all cylinders – intimate, personal and universal. I feel enriched.
I enjoyed your message about passion and artistry. I believe all great things begin with a passion.
It is very touching to see how much inspiration you have found from Amy. Definitely need to see her biopic soon.
Yes, passion combined with talent and an unsuppressiable drive create beauty. When genes and environment interfere and lead to losing battles, tragedies triumph.
Thanks for carrying the candle of hope!
Susan
It is with pleasure that I read your blogs, and always come away amazed and exhilarated by the way you can capture the essence of a thought, a feeling, a situation in the most lyrical and perfect way. As well, I love a good quote, and your quotes never ever disappoint.
Beautifully stated Martha. Passion fuels life. XO
You captured her spirit beautifully. Sometimes being an artist comes with a heavy emotional wallop that we can't always handle. It's always sad to lose someone so talented and so young.