World Headlines
Singer Amy Winehouse Dead At 27
By Tommy Garrett
Jul 23, 2011 - 5:25:05 PM

LONDON, England—Twenty-seven-year-old pop star Amy Winehouse was found dead on Saturday morning inside her London apartment. Winehouse was recently booed at a concert in Belgrade, Serbia and was seen staggering on stage while trying to perform. The singer canceled her planned European tour after that incident. Her alcohol and drug problems in the past became what the star was known most for, but her soulful vocal skills reminded many of American soul icons Etta James and Aretha Franklin. Winehouse was raised in North London suburbs.

Winehouse is credited with paving the way professionally for singers Duffy and Lady Gaga, but her career comeback recently was a total failure. Her closest friends and fans state that she was a very likeable person, yet very troubled. Winehouse was even quoted earlier in her career as saying she lashed out at success, but always wanted to be unique and do her own thing.

In 2008, there seemed to be hope for the singer when her album “Back to Black” won an amazing five Grammy Awards, including record of the year, song of the year and best new artist. Due to legal problems in the United Kingdom, Winehouse was unable to attend the Grammy Awards to pick up her trophies, but she performed via satellite from London during the ceremony and graciously thanked her peers and fans for their support. Everyone hoped this would be a turning point for the singer, but it was not to be.

Amy’s private life was equally as troubled. Her relationship with ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who she married in 2007 and divorced just two years later, was constantly in the tabloid headlines as well.

Winehouse’s most recent rehab stay was in May. Authorities in London pronounced the singer dead at the scene. A spokesman for the police said, “Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased.” Actress Vivica A. Fox said upon hearing of Winehouse’s death, “Young people need to look at this and realize why they should never do drugs. They may seem glorified and exciting, but they are not. This woman died too young.”

A spokesman for her U.S. record label added, “We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer.” An autopsy will be performed. No memorial service has been announced.