Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Amy Winehouse: The most poignant thing late singer said in her final interview

‘I’m a natural singer, but I’m quite shy, really,’ Winehouse said

Tom Parfitt
Tuesday 23 July 2019 10:43 EDT
Comments
Amy Winehouse_ Her life in numbers

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Today marks the eighth anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s death. The Grammy award-winning singer was found dead at her London home in 2011, aged 27, just two albums into her career.

Although one of Britain’s most talented and successful musical exports, winning widespread acclaim for her 2006 album Back to Black, her life was punctuated by tabloid controversy and drink and drug abuse.

Her final interview was with the Daily Telegraph during a recording session with her idol, Tony Bennett, in which she outlined her enduring passion for singing.

“I’m not a natural born performer. I’m a natural singer, but I’m quite shy, really,” she said.

“You know what it’s like? I don’t mean to be sentimental or soppy but it’s a little bit like being in love, when you can’t eat, you’re restless, it’s like that.

“But then the minute you go on stage, everything’s OK. The minute you start singing.”

Bennett paid tribute to Winehouse after her death, describing her as an “extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist”.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

“She was a lovely and intelligent person and when we recorded together she gave a soulful and extraordinary performance,” he added.

Their performance of the jazz standard “Body and Soul” was included on Bennett’s 2011 album Duets II, as well as Winehouse’s posthumous LP Lioness: Hidden Treasures.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in