I've been on an Amy Winehouse appreciation binge the past few weeks. After watching the Grammy-award winning 2015 documentary, AMY, on Netflix, I realized how much of a role an artist's reputation plays in terms of music appreciation. I guess I've always known, especially since musicians are constantly under the media's magnifying glass, but after watching this documentary, it really was an eye-opener. For some, it is easy to just listen to the music and separate an artist's personal life from professional. For others, however, personal life and professional go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, Amy Winehouse and the media did not have the greatest relationship. Like everyone, she had her fair share of life struggles. The difference is that she had to attend to them under the public eye, where cameras and judgment were constantly being thrown her way. Instead of focusing on her contributions to the music industry, her personal life was torn to shreds.
Amy Winehouse's story really is a heartbreaking one because after listening to albums like Frank or Back To Black, one can distinguish her undeniable passion for music; specifically Jazz. Her live performances showcased impeccable timing, filled with emotion. She loved creating and paying homage to legendary Jazz musicians that came before her. Through past interviews, she had never been one to shy away from expressing her appreciation for artists like Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Minnie Riperton, and Thelonious Monk. Questlove, who is known for holding a Doctorate's degree in Jazz and as the drummer for The Roots, has praised Amy for teaching him more about the genre: "She would assign homework, what records to study...there is so much more I could've learned--she taught me a lot" (Associated Press). Clearly, Amy knew the kind of music she wanted to make. Her unique vocal ability, heartfelt songwriting, and thoughtful use of real instruments to create her sound even earned her eight Grammy awards, including Record of the Year in 2008. Thanks to hits such as "Valerie," "Stronger Than Me" or "Rehab," she made Jazz mainstream again.
She truly was an old soul, unprepared for the spotlight. It is difficult to know what one would do when catapulted in to popularity, but Amy handled it as best she could. Upon watching AMY, viewers will get an inside look at her artistry, as well as her battles with addiction and mental health. Underneath the struggles and tabloids, was a humble, misunderstood young woman who just needed to use music and songwriting as an outlet. Like many artists gone too soon, Amy's legacy should live on through her music.
Amy Winehouse - Valerie (Live)
