It was no secret that Amy Winehouse lived an untamed, crazy life fueled by drugs and alcohol. Many people thought there was no question that AmyWinehouse died from a drug overdose. Just days ago, the final toxicology reports of Amy Winehouse’s death were released. Drugs did not kill Winehouse, alcohol did.
“Death by misadventure” were the words given by an English coroner. Frankly speaking, Winehouse drank herself to death. The singer was found with empty vodka bottles in her room and more than five times the legal limit for drinking in England, coroner Suzanne Grennaway stated. It has been reported that no drugs or drug paraphenalia were found in Amy Winehouse’s room, nor were there any reports of drugs being found in the toxicology reports.
Amy Winehouse received her first guitar when she was 13 years old, was kicked out of a London school when she was 14, got tattoos and piercings shortly after, and lived a rebellious life since she was a child.
Amy Winehouse also won five Grammys in her twenties.
Throughout her prime, Amy was faced with many demons. For years she battled substance abuse, bulimia, had a tumultuous marriage, had health issues stemming from drug abuse, and was constantly mauled by the press. If there was a moment where Amy was spotted looking frail and unhinged, you can bet there was a saturation of photos showing her in her worst moments.
People often times underestimate the dangers of alcohol and believe that drugs can kill you much quicker. Amy joins a list of famous musicians that died from alcohol poisoning. Ironically, an artist Amy was often compared to died from alcohol poisoning-Billie Holiday. AC/DC’s Bon Scott, Jim Morrison of The Doors, and most recently, Warrant’s front man, Jani Lane all died from alcohol poisoning.
Amy Winehouse can never be duplicated. Her voice was distinct and raw. Click here if you’ve never really heard Amy Winehouse’s vocal ability. Sadly, a majority of the media coverage that circled around Amy Winehouse usually wasn’t about a sold out concert or amazing performance.
Amy’s last major project was a recording with the legendary Tony Bennett. Amy joined Bennet in a duet called, Body and Soul. Tony Bennett stated in regards to Amy’s death, ”What I wanted to do, I wanted to stop her, I wanted to tell her that many years ago I was naughty also with some drugs.”
Amy’s family tried insistently to help the troubled singer with her substance abuse. There were moments when Amy was clean and sober, but in the end became a fallen soldier to substance abuse.
Let Amy’s story serve as a warning that alcohol is capable of killing someone in an overdose. But more than that, Amy should be remembered for her musical talent. There were so many more albums and concerts that her fans wanted but will never get. Though some public opinion may be negative towards Amy Winehouse, the heart of the matter is she truly had a gift. There was no auto-tuning or lip syncing when it came to Amy Winehouse-because she was an incredible vocalist.
“I don’t think your ability to fight has anything to do with how big you are. It’s to do with how much anger is in you. -Amy Jade Winehouse
October 31, 2011
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