British soul singer Amy Winehouse was found dead at her apartment in London on Saturday, July 23. Officials are currently unsure as to the cause of death; however foul play is not suspected. An autopsy is planned for Monday. She was 27 years old.
Since her passing, a long and varied list of celebrities have paid tribute to the singer. Among them is musician Sir Elton John, fellow British personality Kelly Osbourne, and Actor Russell Brand.
Elton John stated, “She was one of the greatest artists this country [United Kingdom] has ever produced.” That’s quite a compliment coming from both a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer and a Grammy Award Winner. Like John, Winehouse also won several Grammys. Just five years ago, the singer won five Grammy Awards for her hit album ‘Back to Black.’ This put her at a tie for most Grammys won by a female in a single night, until Beyoncé won six in 2010.
Kelly Osbourne tweeted, “I can’t even breath right my now. I’m crying so hard. I just lost one of my best friends. I love you forever Amy and will never forget the real you!(sic)” Kelly, alongside Winehouse’s father, prompted Amy’s 2008 check in to rehab.
However, it is Russell Brand’s words that have received the most attention. Brand wrote a touching post about both his personal experience with the singer and the perils of addiction. “When you love someone who suffers from the disease of addiction you await the phone call. There will be a phone call.” He goes on to say hopefully it is from the addict seeking help. Brand is in a position to speak on the topic as he himself dealt with both drug and sex addiction.
The actor also recalled his first time seeing Amy sing; describing the moment as “The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius.” Of her voice he said “[it] was filled with such power and pain that it was at once entirely human yet laced with the divine.”
