Amy Winehouse (1983 - 2011) - Britsh singer-writer dies

Amy Winehouse singing Rehab in her American debut on Letterman 

Amy Winehouse tragically died today at the age 27 in her Camden home in London from a suspected drug overdose.


The Music
The British singer/writr, famous for her songs Rehab and Valerie, was working on her third album, the much anticipated follow-up to her album Back-To Black - an inspiring collection of songs that for some reason I enjoy doing housework to.

Winehouse's songs struck a chord with her fans. Rehab especially was a song about rebellion and defying logic - we know it's bad for us, but we want it anyway. It's the song of this generation - spolied for choice, idle, indulgent.

Amy - The London Girl
We were touched by her personal tragedy, the story in which the love of her life was the beginning of her downward spiral. Her vulnerability drew us to her music.

Her neighbours have said what a lovely young woman she was. She made an impromptu appearance at Ronnie Scott's and the audience felt very sad that she was intoxicated and uanble to remember the words to the song or hit the right notes.She was an artist that everyone was rooting for. At her best, her vocal range and emotion were spectacular - youtube - DL Intimate Performance of Valerie

She fought to save The George Tavern, a famous London pub and music scene in East London, as well as  posing nude for a campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer - George Tavern Blog - Amy Winehouse to help save pub and Marie Claire - Amy Winehouse Breast Cancer Campaign

Photoes and interview with Amy Winehouse - Telegraph - In pictures: Amy Winehouse models her Fred Perry line and Harpers Bazaar Interview - Amy Winehouse: Unplugged.

A Tragic Loss for Family & Friends
And now she's another one of the stories that validates the idea that only the good die young. I had a friend who died at 28. It was a shock even though we knew she was ill for many years. It changed my life, made me realise the fragility if life and the importance of living it to the fullest. That was over 8 years ago. When she died, I wondered why? Why she should never have children, a family or grow old? For friends and family, it will be a long process of grieving, for her parents it is a tremendous loss that you outlive your child.

Drugs
Drugs and alcohol have taken from us a talented young woman. Politicians only take action when the public demand it and we have become complacent against the war on substance abuse. Death is not cool. Ruined lives are not to be coveted.

Drugs are not the solution to problem. The are resources available to help and the internet also has a wealth of information. Read:

• No job and money problems - an opportunity to do great things 
• How to be Frugal - Eating Out and Seeing the Real London
• Motivation decimation
• Tips to Save Money on your Grocery Bill at the Supermarket
• Show me the Money! 
• How to Discover Your Life Purpose in About 20 Minutes 
• What should I do with my life?

Amy Winehouse's death is not just a tragic loss for Britain, the music industry and the world. It is a warning that we need to take a stronger position against drug and alcohol abuse, how we can stem the source of the problem, how we can improve law enforcement, how we can change the culture that drugs are cool, how we can improve support networks and rehabilitation.