Amy Winehouse's future as a singer was foreshadowed from an early age. The daughter of a pharmacist mother and taxi-driver dad, Amy attended a performing arts school from the age of 9 and often got in trouble for singing in class.
Winehouse's debut CD, Frank, came out when she was 19 years old. Her influences were unlikely ones for a teen. Her sound and look were throwbacks to 1960s girl groups like The Ronettes, and her smoky, weathered voice and brutally honest lyrics surprised critics with their maturity.
In the end, Amy Winehouse's outlandish and erratic behavior may have earned her as much attention as her music, but her unmistakable voice and tell-it-like-it-is songwriting skill never seemed up for debate. Her second album, Black, was one of the best-reviewed releases of 2007.
Winehouse passed away due to alcohol poisoning at just 27 years old, but she is still remembered by fans across the world. A documentary on her life is in the works, and the London Jewish Museum is currently featuring an exhibition of some of her favorite personal possessions, with captions written by her brother.
