Today marks the third anniversary of the death of vocal phenomenon Amy Winehouse.
Arguably the greatest voice of our generation, the world lost a musical genius when Amy passed away on the 23rd July 2011, aged just 27.
In her short life the singer accomplished so much and in memory of her achievements we take a look back at some of her most standout live performances.
From St. James’ Church in Dingle to the bright lights of London City… Ladies and gentlemen, Amy Winehouse at her at her finest.
Back to Black live in Dingle.
Very few people know that Winehouse travelled to the Dingle peninsula in Co. Kerry for ‘Other Voices’. The documentary captured the singer in her prime, with big hair, distinctive black eyeliner and tiny frame; she gave the packed church a performance they’d never forget.
You Know I’m No Good live on The Russell Brand Show.
One day after her death, Russell Brand, a close friend of the songstress, penned one of the most moving and poignant pieces on addiction that we’ve ever read. ‘For Amy’ was uploaded to Brand’s website and the comedian recalls the moment he realised the genius that this ‘jazz singer’ was.
“I arrived late… I heard the rolling, wondrous resonance of a female vocal. Entering the space I saw Amy on stage with Weller and his band; and then the awe. The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius. From her oddly dainty presence that voice, a voice that seemed not to come from her but from somewhere beyond even Billie and Ella, from the font of all greatness. A voice that was filled with such power and pain that it was at once entirely human yet laced with the divine”.
He Can Only Hold Her – Doo Wop (That Thing)
He Can Only Hold Her was a track taken from Winehouse’s album Back to Black. While performing the track live throughout 06-08, she also incorporated Lauryn Hill’s hit Doo Wop (That Thing) with it, this clip is taken from a live set in London back in 07′.
Stronger Than Me on Later… With Jools Holland.
At just 19 Amy was singing on one of the most notable and prestigious music shows in the UK. Host Jools Holland himself was a massive Winehouse fan and supported the singer right throughout her career. Although she has appeared many times on the BBC Two hit late night music programme, this was one of those standout moments.
Monkey Man
This track Monkey Man is one of our favourite videos of the songstress simply because it shows off everything that encompasses Winehouse; her love of performing, her incredible vocal ability and her shine when on stage. Again this video is taken from a concert in London in 2007.
Body and Soul
Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse collaborated for a beautiful rendition of Body and Soul. This 1930s classic was known as one of the singer’s favourite songs and turned out to be the last time track she would ever record.
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
We couldn’t make a list of Winehouse’s standout moments and not include this mind numbingly amazing cover of the Roberta Flack hit, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow. Sadly there are no live versions of this track apart from this audio video uploaded online.
Valerie
Winehouse’s rendition of this Zuton’s hit turned out to be more famous than the band’s version itself. This rare acoustic performance of the track just proves that the singer didn’t need the big band to be fantastic and is a simply perfect example of Winehouse at her best.
Heard It Through The Grapevine.
Last but by no means least, as we said above Jools Holland was an avid admirer of Amy’s talent and we finish of our look back ar her most memorable moments with this Paul Weller duet of Heard It Through The Grapevine that features both Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra… Amy Winehouse at her finest.
