Talented but troubled, Amy Winehouse established a new appreciation for classic soul sounds in her native UK in the first decade of the 21st century, opening the door for artists ranging from James Morrison to Duffy to Adele. She won critical acclaim for he debut album, Frank, which gave the world its first look at her unique contralto voice and her stark lyricism. But it was her sophomore album, Back to Black, that made her a star. Featuring the song “Rehab,” tht album became a smash, winning the Grammy Award for Best Album and topping the charts in several countries.
However the comet that was Winehouse’s career was soon extinguished, as personal demons and addictions prevented her from following up on her Back to Black success. She tragically died of alcohol intoxication on July 23, 2011, at age 27. However, both the artist and her music are remembered around the world, years after her too-soon passing.