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On This Day in 2011, the World Tragically Lost One of the Most Beloved Voices in Neo-Soul

In a decade overrun with pop stars, no one did it like Amy Winehouse.

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On July 23, 2011, Amy Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning at age 27, after a turbulent battle with substances that spanned most of her tragically short career. She made multiple attempts to get sober, aided by many people close to her. But she relapsed often, and her struggles only increased the longer she was in the public eye.

As Back to Black celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, Winehouse is remembered for her incredible vocal prowess, her clever and vulnerable songwriting, and her unique style. She was heavily influenced by 1960s girl groups like the Ronettes, from her cat-eye makeup to her distinctive beehive hairdo. While the musical influences of neo-soul and jazz were present on her first album, Frank, it wasn’t until Back to Black in 2006........

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