I have been a huge fan of Amy Winehouse since I first became aware of her in 2006. I remember being taken by her interesting contralto, which sounded a bit like a mystical fusion of Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan. Once I started 'Muzikal Jewz,' I played Amy from time-to-time on the show.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of her death. I always had a feeling somewhere in my heart that she would break free from the oppressive chains of addiction and end up being this great soul diva who would continue to give us fresh, original songs about the pains of life and love well into her senior years.
I think that Amy follows in a long tradition of Jewish performers who have broken the mold and created a superstardom that was unlike anything ever witnessed before. Like Streisand, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker, Al Jolson and Bob Dylan, she was completely original. They all had their own unique personal style and charisma with enough unbridled talent for a dozen people, as well as incomparable singing voices that may have borrowed a bit from African American culture, but somehow maintained a unique Jewish identity as well. And Winehouse, like Dylan, was an extremely talented and fascinatingly original songwriter who was able to articulate the collective voice of her generation.
I know that Amy will not be forgotten. Her voice will live on forever, and her spirit is now free from the demons that haunted her in her lifetime.
Luv U Amy.
Shalom,
Oy-Dog.
