Amy Winehouse’s inner thoughts, captured within the pages of her diaries, offer an intimate view into her life, aspirations, and creative process. The new book, “Amy Winehouse: In Her Words,” curated with contributions from her family, sheds light on the multifaceted artist’s journey, revealing ambitions, struggles, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.
Embedded within the book is a list of aspirations scripted by the singer at age 16 while she was a student at The Brit School. Amidst teenage dreams of owning a house in South Beach, Miami, and amassing a collection of 300 pairs of shoes, Winehouse yearned for fabulous hair and even bolder aspirations. Her desire to be admired and looked up to stands out as a poignant entry in the list.
Winehouse’s legacy remains intact, with her influence extending 12 years beyond her passing. She continues to shape the contemporary music landscape, earning admiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars, with Adele acknowledging her pivotal role in paving the way for the next generation.
The essence of Winehouse’s artistry is embodied within a concise body of work. Her entire discography can be consumed in under two hours, with her defining moments found within “Back to Black” and select cover versions. The brevity of her musical catalog, rather than detracting from her legacy, contributes to the allure that surrounds her. Among her discography, “Back to Black” emerges as a remarkable standout, an unforeseen burst of creativity that remains shrouded in an air of mystery regarding its origin.
Yet, curating Winehouse’s legacy proves challenging due to the scarcity of new music. While “Lioness: Hidden Treasures,” a compilation of outtakes, was compiled by her estate and record label in 2011, the dearth of fresh material leaves fans yearning for more.
“Amy Winehouse: In Her Words” strives to address this void by offering a multifaceted perspective of her journey. Personal photographs and handwritten ephemera provide an insightful lens into her career. The book delves into her schoolwork, song lyrics, letters, and diary entries, presenting a comprehensive portrayal. However, the book also touches on the discomfort Winehouse experienced due to media intrusion and privacy infringement.
The publication of Winehouse’s teenage diaries and to-do lists raises questions about posthumous disclosure. Despite its moderated narrative, references to her “addictions” and struggles with food emerge, hinting at her battles with personal demons. Yet, her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil is referred to as “an ill-fated relationship,” revealing a delicate approach to her tumultuous past.
The photographs, while tactful in avoiding her decline, span from her vibrant performances to commemorative murals and tributes, evoking a bittersweet sentiment. Winehouse’s legacy also underscores the music industry’s responsibility toward safeguarding vulnerable artists, highlighting the importance of mental health support.
Despite her chaotic reputation, Winehouse exhibited a meticulous side, crafting her iconic image with care. Her sketches and outfit lists revealed her dedication to presenting herself as an artist. The book portrays her as both complex and impulsive, with diary entries often referring to herself as “the nutter of the class” and “loud and mouthing off.”
Intriguingly, Winehouse’s narrative transcends her tragically shortened life, showcasing her achievements and aspirations. While her journey remains bittersweet, her impact on music endures, resonating through her influential body of work. In the midst of reminiscing about her past, one quote stands out: “I’m not satisfied with one level of musicianship… I’ve got all the time in the world to make that happen. That’s what’s so exciting: I’ve got years to do music.”
