Before her famous beehive and the album Back to Black, Amy Winehouse was a 20-year-old from Southgate. She had a notebook full of songs, a soulful voice, and her first album, Frank, released in 2003.
Just a few years later, Winehouse won five Grammys in one night. She sold millions of records worldwide. Despite her fame, she stayed true to her North London neighborhood and her unique style. She wrote her biggest hits about real heartbreaks. She found inspiration from artists like Ella Fitzgerald and The Shangri-Las. She even handed out ice pops to local kids from her front window in Camden.
Her career was short, but her jazz-inspired sound and edgy look changed pop culture in the 2000s forever. To celebrate her life and legacy, here are 15 photos. They show her journey from an acoustic set on Oxford Street to international fame.
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Early Performances
In 2004, before her iconic beehive, a young Winehouse performed with just her electric guitar. This Oxford Street show promoted her debut album Frank. It captured an artist on the verge of becoming famous.
At the 2004 Mercury Prize, London discovered a new vocal talent: 20-year-old Winehouse. With a full brass section, her sleek hair and simple style showed the singer before she became a global star.
Rising to Stardom
At the 2007 BRIT Awards, Winehouse performed under a blue spotlight with her signature beehive. This performance marked her entry into pop history. She won Best British Female Artist that night, making "Back to Black" an instant classic.
Winehouse never changed herself for the cameras. Mid-set at Shepherd's Bush Empire, she took a quick sip, showing her unfiltered, rock-and-roll side. This was a contrast to the very polished pop stars of her time.
At the 2007 Isle of Wight Festival, Winehouse smiled at the crowd. She showed she could captivate huge audiences with her powerful voice and stage presence. Her simple white tank top, hoop earrings, and winged eyeliner helped her connect with thousands of fans.
Winehouse traveled to America to perform for festival crowds. She brought her jazz soul and North London roots to Chicago’s Grant Park. Her setlist featured many songs from Back to Black, including "Wake Up Alone" and "Rehab."
Off-Stage Moments
In 2007, Winehouse was seen running errands in London. She effortlessly embodied the “Indie Sleaze” look. She wore a vintage headscarf in her high hair, low-rise jeans, and satin ballet flats tucked into her pocket. She carried a stack of CDs. Her off-duty style was as distinct as her music.
This image of Winehouse in denim and a red headscarf in her beehive is a memorable cultural moment. Her performance of "Back to Black" at the 2007 MTV EMAs was also iconic. She later won the "Artist Choice" award.
Winehouse relaxed on a stadium balcony in Manchester. She showed off her tattoos while looking at the crowd during a portrait session before her show.
Winehouse broadcast live from London’s Riverside Studios. She won five Grammys in one night at the 2008 awards.
Winehouse often opened her Camden home window to chat with local kids. Framed by green ivy, this photo shows a superstar who was never truly alone.
Amy was known for her unique hair accessories, like paper drink umbrellas and headscarves. In this photo, she wears a custom clip that reads "BLAKE." She wore it during Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday tribute in Hyde Park. This linked her marriage to one of her biggest performances.
After a night out in Camden, a red hatchback full of strangers gave Winehouse a ride. This classic late-2000s moment showed her disregard for typical celebrity behavior.
Winehouse traded her usual vintage dresses for a zip-up track jacket. She carried her laptop under her arm. Paired with her signature cat-eye eyeliner, this photo offers a rare look at her everyday style off stage.
Intimate Performances
Winehouse made a surprise appearance with producer Mark Ronson at London's 100 Club. She thrilled an intimate room of fans. Bathed in purple light, this secret set proved her heart still belonged to small London clubs.
