Amy Winehouse: See Photos of the Iconic Songstress Before Her Tragic Passing

A Star Is Born

Amy was born in London, England and she reportedly always had a passion for music. The singer finally got her big break when a classmate gave her demo tape to a record label.

A Force to Be Reckoned With

The late songstress was initially signed to A&R as a jazz vocalist, but it didn’t take long for others to take notice of her talent. Amy later scored a record deal with Island/Universal.

Rise to Fame

Amy dropped her debut album, Frank, in 2003 and it was very well received by critics. The album was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in addition to two BRIT awards, which is no small feat.

Life Changes

Around that time, Amy began a romance with Blake Fielder-Civil. By 2006, her management company worried about her sobriety and suggested she go to rehab for alcohol abuse.

Speaking Her Mind

However, Amy had a different plan. The singer poured out her heart in the hit single “Rehab,” which became an instant success on her chart-topping new album Back to Black.

Reaching New Heights

Not only was it huge in the United Kingdom, but the jam also topped the Billboard music charts. It was such a success, that it was more than any other American debut by a British female recording artist in history.

Keeping It Real

In 2007, Amy revealed that her relationship with Blake inspired several of the singles on her latest album. “‘Back To Black’ is about being in a relationship that when it’s finished you go back to what you know, except I wasn’t working so I couldn’t go and throw myself back into work,” she told CNN.

Overcoming Obstacles

“And where the guy obviously went back to his ex-girlfriend, I didn’t really have anything else to go back to so I guess I went back to a black for a few months, you know … Doing silly things, as you do when you’re 22 and you’re young and in love,” Amy added.

Tough Times

The singer also spoke candidly about their hardships together during an interview with MTV. “I was in love at the time and I knew it couldn’t work out, you know. It was very much right place wrong time or right fella wrong time,” she explained.

Matters of the Heart

“We were definitely too much for each other,” Amy added. “We couldn’t be together, can’t be together.”

On-Again, Off-Again

Amy and Blake did ultimately end up getting married in 2007, but unfortunately it didn’t last long. The couple split in 2009.

Eyes on the Prize

Despite her romantic setbacks, Amy’s career was still reaching new heights. The singer managed to win five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Gone Too Soon

Unfortunately, the iconic songstress infamously battled a serious drug and alcohol addiction and she tragically passed away on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27 due to accidental alcohol poisoning.

Sharing Condolences

After hearing about her untimely death, several fans and stars took to social media to grieve, including her friend Kelly Osbourne. “I can’t even breathe right now I’m crying so hard. I love you forever Amy and I will never forget the real you,” she tweeted.

Forever Missed

Even though several years have passed, many people are still mourning. Most recently, Amy’s mother and goddaughter shared heartfelt tributes on the eighth anniversary of her death.

Cherishing Her Memory

The singer’s mom, Janis H. Winehouse, took to Twitter with a photo of a lit candle next to her daughter’s high heel shoes.

Heartfelt Message

Amy’s goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield, also shared a throwback portrait of them spending quality time together. “Miss you always but today more than ever, 💕” she wrote on July 23.

Powerhouse Voice

In her final interview, the singer shared more details about the woman she was. “I’m not a natural born performer. I’m a natural singer, but I’m quite shy, really,” Amy told the Daily Telegraph.

Giving Insight

“You know what it’s like? I don’t mean to be sentimental or soppy but it’s a little bit like being in love, when you can’t eat, you’re restless, it’s like that,” she added.

Rest in Peace

“But then the minute you go on stage, everything’s OK. The minute you start singing.”

We’re keeping Amy’s loved ones in our thoughts.