I couldn't go without dedicating a post to the loss of Amy Winehouse this week, despite not being a true fan of her music. Although I admit there was a time I went about my business singing 'should have gone to rehab, but I said no no no', I have always been more interested in the woman behind the music. Lyrics come from experiences and are an expression of these, whether personal or generic, the intention is to empathise with audiences and let your voice be heard.
Amy had such a unique and powerful sound expressed through an eclectic mix of musical genres including R&B, soul and jazz. She was, in no doubt, an iconic figure of our day who strengthened and bought new interest to the English music scene.
Just as her music was powerful, so was her style. Clearly never swayed by public opinion, Amy donned her larger-than-life beehive and over empowering eye make-up. As a tribute to the late artist, Hedi Slimane shared a previous photo series of the troubled British singer, casting her in a delicate light. This small collection is a precious snapshot of the real Amy, of the woman behind the drugs and controversy.
As well as appreciating her talent and recognising our musical loss, I thought I'd also touch upon the trivial matter of the deadly 27 club. Is it so much a coincidence that Amy passed aged 27, adding to a long list of talented musicians? Some have said she wanted to join the 'club' to be noted in history alongside other such iconic figures, or could the rock n' rock lifestyle be claiming its victims at the young age so they forever stay young, leaving us with their musical classics with a foreboding and heavy sentiment? Whether or not the case, whether it is believed or not, Amy Winehouse is not, and will not, be the last of our talents today to be claimed by fame. While others pity, know that you are in control of your own life and be sure to live it by your own rules and integrity. The moment you start living for someone else you are lost, and we all have the ability to say no.
Brian Jones, The Rolling Stones. 28 February 1942 – 3 July 1969.
Jimi Henrix. November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970.
Janis Joplin. January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970.
Jim Morrison, The Doors. December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971.
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana. (February 20, 1967 – c. April 5, 1994)
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