I seriously don’t even where to start … I’m totally devastated over hearing about the passing of my beloved Amy Winehouse. I first discovered the British soul singer back in 2006 by way of her incredible Grammy-winning album Back To Black, and since then there’s been over seventy posts about Ms. Winehouse here on PopBytes. Many of those posts chronicled her descent into drug and alcohol addiction that in the end killed her at the age of 27. I tried to remain hopeful during the past few years that she would finally get her act together and move on from the demons that plagued her but sadly Amy simply could not escape what tortured her soul. I feel blessed to have seen Amy’s one and only Los Angeles show at the legendary Roxy on Sunset Blvd. back in March of 2007, although she was a bit of a mess, she did manage to put on an incredible show that I’ll never forget. I’m not surprised over the news that she was found dead in her London apartment today, but it still doesn’t make the terrible news any less painful. Thankfully her music will live on, but it’s such a tragedy that her life was cut so short, and by her own doing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family, may Amy Winehouse finally be at peace, I will miss you girl.

The Recording Academy Statement on Amy Winehouse
Five-time GRAMMY® winner Amy Winehouse was a dynamic performer and musician who seamlessly blended rock, jazz, pop, and soul and created a sound all her own. Her rich, soulful and unique voice reflected her honest songwriting and earned her a devoted fan following, critical acclaim, and the genuine respect and admiration of her musical peers. She will forever be remembered for her immense talent, and her music will live on for generations to come. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy®

Singer Amy Winehouse is dead at age 27. I don’t think that’s a surprising statement – that it happened sooner rather than later. She had immense talent, but in the later stage of her life she was clearly not sober. It may seem like I’m being insensitive to her passing, but my thoughts truly go out to her family and loved ones. What I am saying is that when someone is an addict, which there’s no arguing – she was, it isn’t surprising when they die. Amy had many more resources available to her to get sober than a typical person does, but she unfortunately could not beat her demons. She made awesome music. 2006′s Back to Black is an amazing Grammy-winning album. I am saddened that she’s gone and her gift will not be shared again. The cause of her death has not yet been released.

Amy Winehouse has been found dead at her home in London. The Back To Black singer was found at the property by emergency services at 3.54pm. Her death is being treated as ‘unexplained’ by police. Winehouse was apparently ‘beyond help’ when paramedics arrived, according to Sky sources. Two ambulance crews arrived at the scene within five minutes and a paramedic on a bicycle also attended, according to a spokeswoman. ‘Sadly the patient had died,’ she added. In a statement, the Metropolitan 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. ‘On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained.’ SOURCE