Amy Winehouse

Much can be said about Amy Winehouse, one of the U.K.'s flagship vocalists during the 2000s. The British press and tabloids seemed to focus on her rowdy behavior and heavy alcohol consumption, but fans and critics alike embraced her rugged charm and brash sense of humor because of her distinctively soulful and jazzy vocals.   >>> more

Much can be said about Amy Winehouse, one of the U.K.'s flagship vocalists during the 2000s. The British press and tabloids seemed to focus on her rowdy behavior and heavy alcohol consumption, but fans and critics alike embraced her rugged charm and brash sense of humor because of her distinctively soulful and jazzy vocals. Her platinum-selling breakthrough album Frank elicited comparisons ranging from Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan to Macy Gray and Lauryn Hill. And interestingly enough, one can often hear aspects of each of those singers' vocal repertoire in Winehouse's voice despite her strong cockney accent and vernacular. Born to a taxi-driving father and pharmacist mother, Winehouse grew up in the Southgate area in north London. Her upbringing was surrounded by jazz. Many of the uncles on her mother's side were all professional jazz musicians, and even her paternal grandmother was romantically involved with British jazz legend Ronnie Scott. While at home, she listened to and absorbed her parents' selection of greats: Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra among others. However, in her teens, she was drawn to the rebellious spirit of TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and other American R&B and hip-hop acts of the time.