Amy Jade Winehouse was loved for her raw vocals and unique aura but gone too soon. But the British Jazz and soul singer and songwriter continues to live in the hearts of millions of her fans across the world. Today, her fans the world over celebrate her birthday and her ‘hidden treasures'. The Grammy Awards winner was born on September 14,1983 and left her fans heartbroken when she passed away on July 23, 2011. Her fans, however, continue to celebrate her life and music, which is a distinct mix of soul, rhythm and blues and jazz. She is mostly remembered for her more popular album 'Back to Black' (2006) that got her the Grammy Awards and Lioness: Hidden Treasures (December 2011).
As we join the world in remembering the Jazz great on her birthday, let's take a look back on some lesser known facts about the singer that will even surprise her die-hard fans.
1. Amy Winehouse was born in Chase Farm Hospital in north London.
2. Amy with her best friend Juliette Ashby was part of a rap duo called Sweet ‘n Sour when she was 10.
3. She worked as a celebrity reporter at World Entertainment News Network which was set up by Juliette’s dad.
4. Amy got her first tattoo of Betty Boop at the age of 15. Other tattoos include images of a native American feather, a horse shoe, her grandmother Cynthia, a naked woman, a lightning bolt and a razor blade with ‘Blake’ written above it.
5. Amy won a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School, but she was unable to finish her graduation as she was expelled for ‘not applying herself’ and getting her nose pierced.
6. One of the remarkable and unique features of Amy was her iconic beehive which was believed to be 6.5 inches high.
7. Her favourite drink was called the Rickstasy. It was three parts Vodka, one part Southern Comfort, one part banana liqueur and one part Baileys.
8. Her first ambition was to become a roller skating waitress, thanks to the film ‘American Graffiti’ and singing was never part of her career plan.
9. Amy’s last live performance was at Kalemegdan Park in Serbia on June 18, 2011.
10. Amy suffered from Bulimia badly and it was her brother’s belief that her eating disorder and the consequent physical witness made her more vulnerable to the accidental alcohol poisoning.
