Childhood and Education Journey of Amy Winehouse in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Amy Winehouse. From birth to education, explore key events.

Amy Winehouse (1983-2011) was a highly acclaimed English singer and songwriter celebrated for her distinctive contralto voice and genre-bending music, which fused soul, R&B, reggae, and jazz. Selling over 30 million records globally, she achieved significant commercial success and critical recognition, winning multiple Grammy Awards. Despite her talent, Winehouse struggled with substance abuse, which significantly impacted her career and ultimately led to her premature death at the age of 27. Her raw honesty and unique style continue to influence contemporary music and solidify her legacy as a singular talent.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1979: Birth of older brother Alex

In 1979, Amy Winehouse's older brother, Alex, was born.

September 1983: Birth of Amy Winehouse

On September 14, 1983, Amy Jade Winehouse was born at Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield, London, to Jewish parents Mitchell and Janis Winehouse.

September 1983: Amy Winehouse's Birth

On September 1983, Amy Jade Winehouse was born. She would become an English singer, songwriter, and musician, known for her contralto vocals and eclectic mix of musical genres.

1983: Mental Health Act

By late April 2008, Amy Winehouse's father and manager then sought to have her detained under the Mental Health Act of 1983.

1992: Attendance at Susi Earnshaw Theatre School

In 1992, Amy Winehouse began attending the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School to further her vocal education and learn tap dance, suggested by her grandmother Cynthia.

1997: Protection from Harassment Act enacted

In 1997, the Protection from Harassment Act was enacted. Years later, in 2009, Amy Winehouse would use this act to obtain an injunction against a paparazzi agency.

2002: Signing with 19 Management

In 2002, Amy Winehouse signed with Simon Fuller's 19 Management and was paid £250 a week against future earnings.

2003: Mother's Diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis

In 2003, Amy Winehouse's mother, Janis Winehouse, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

2005: Period of Substance Abuse

In 2005, Amy Winehouse went through a period of drinking, heavy drug use, and weight loss.

2006: Winehouse admits to assaulting a fan

In 2006, Amy Winehouse admitted to punching a female fan for criticizing her relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil. She also attacked Fielder-Civil when he tried to intervene, kneeing him in the crotch.

2006: Rebound and Writing of Back to Black

People who saw Amy Winehouse during the end of 2005 and early 2006 reported a rebound that coincided with the writing of Back to Black.

May 2007: Marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil

Amy Winehouse married Blake Fielder-Civil on May 18, 2007, in Miami Beach, Florida.

August 2007: Hospitalization and Show Cancellations

In August 2007, Amy Winehouse cancelled shows in the UK and Europe, citing exhaustion and ill health. She was hospitalised during this period for what was reported as an overdose of heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and alcohol.

October 2007: Winehouse arrested for drug possession in Norway

In October 2007, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil were arrested in Bergen, Norway, for possession of seven grams of cannabis. They were later released and fined 3850 kroner (around £350).

December 2007: Enrolment in Physician-Supervised Program

In December 2007, Amy Winehouse's spokesman reported that the singer was in a physician-supervised program and was channelling her difficulties by writing a lot of music.

January 2008: Crack Cocaine Video and Rehabilitation

In January 2008, The Sun posted a video in which Amy Winehouse appeared to be smoking crack cocaine and speaking of having taken ecstasy and Valium. Shortly after the video was posted, Winehouse's father moved in with her to keep her under '24-hour watch'. She reportedly entered a rehabilitation facility for a two-week treatment program later in January 2008.

April 2008: Concerns Over Drug Rehabilitation Efforts

By late April 2008, Amy Winehouse's erratic behaviour caused fear that her drug rehabilitation efforts had been unsuccessful. Her father and manager then sought to have her detained under the Mental Health Act of 1983.

April 2008: Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

In April 2008, Amy Winehouse appeared in a revealing photograph for the April 2008 issue of "Easy Living" magazine as part of a breast cancer awareness campaign, showing her support for the cause.

April 2008: Named Second-Greatest Ultimate Heroine

In April 2008, Amy Winehouse was named the second-greatest "ultimate heroine" by the UK population in a Sky News poll, topping the voting for those polled under 25 years old. Psychologist Donna Dawson commented that the results demonstrated that women like Winehouse who had "a certain sense of vulnerability or have had to fight against some adversity in their lives" received recognition.

April 2008: Winehouse cautioned for assault and investigated for drug use

On April 26, 2008, Amy Winehouse was cautioned after admitting to police that she slapped a 38-year-old man. Ten days later, she was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs, stemming from a video that surfaced in January 2008. Although she was released on bail, the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately did not charge her due to insufficient evidence.

June 2008: Winehouse's father clarifies reports about her health

On June 23, 2008, Amy Winehouse's publicist clarified that she had signs of what could lead to early-stage emphysema, correcting earlier statements made by Mitch Winehouse. He had also mentioned her lungs were operating at 70 percent capacity and she had an irregular heartbeat, attributing these problems to crack cocaine use. Doctors warned her about needing an oxygen mask and potential death if she continued smoking crack cocaine. She was responding to treatment with nicotine patches.

July 2008: Winehouse diagnosed with emphysema

In July 2008, Amy Winehouse disclosed that she had been diagnosed with "some areas of emphysema." She mentioned that she was focusing on self-care by eating healthy, sleeping, playing guitar, making music, and writing to her husband. She also had a vertical tanning bed in her flat.

September 2008: Rumors of Relapse

Amy Winehouse's dishevelled appearance during and after a scheduled club night in September 2008 prompted new rumours of a relapse. Photographers were quoted as saying she appeared to have cuts on her arms and legs.

September 2008: Incident at Prince's Trust charity ball

In September 2008, an incident occurred at the Prince's Trust charity ball where Amy Winehouse allegedly hit dancer Sherene Flash in the eye, leading to Winehouse's arrest and charge with common assault in March 2009.

October 2008: Winehouse undergoes lung testing at the London Clinic

On October 25, 2008, Amy Winehouse began precautionary testing on her lungs and chest at the London Clinic for what was reported as a chest infection. She left and returned at will during this period.

November 2008: Winehouse returns to hospital due to medication reaction

On November 23, 2008, Amy Winehouse returned to the hospital due to a reported reaction to her medication. This occurred while she was receiving treatment as an outpatient after being released from the London Clinic.

2008: Estimated Fortune in The Sunday Times Listing

In 2008, Amy Winehouse had an estimated £10m fortune, tying her for tenth place in The Sunday Times listing of the wealth of musicians under age 30. Her finances were managed by Mitch and Janis Winehouse.

2008: Winehouse quit using illegal substances

In 2008, according to her physician, Amy Winehouse successfully quit using illegal substances. This marked a significant step in her battle with addiction, although she later faced challenges with alcohol abuse.

January 2009: Relationship with Josh Bowman and Divorce Proceedings

In early January 2009, Amy Winehouse was spotted with Josh Bowman in Saint Lucia and stated she was in love again and did not need drugs. On January 12, Winehouse's spokesman confirmed that divorce papers had been received.

March 2009: Winehouse arrested for assault on dancer

In March 2009, Amy Winehouse was arrested and charged with common assault following Sherene Flash's claim that Winehouse hit her in the eye at the September 2008 Prince's Trust charity ball. As a result, Winehouse's US Coachella Festival appearance was cancelled. She pleaded not guilty in court on March 17.

July 2009: Payment for Urgent Surgery in Saint Lucia

In July 2009, during her stay in Saint Lucia, Amy Winehouse paid £4,000 for Julian Jean DeBaptiste's urgent surgery, demonstrating her generosity and compassion.

July 2009: Uncontested Divorce Granted

On July 16, 2009, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil's uncontested divorce was granted.

August 2009: Divorce Finalized

On August 28, 2009, Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil's divorce became final. Fielder-Civil received no money in the settlement.

December 2009: Winehouse arrested for assaulting theatre manager

On December 19, 2009, Amy Winehouse was arrested for a third time on charges of common assault and a public order offence. This occurred after she assaulted the front-of-house manager of the Milton Keynes Theatre when he asked her to move to a different seat due to her noisy participation in the pantomime and advised her against further drinking. Winehouse pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge.

2009: Documentary and Joint Venture with EMI

In 2009, Amy Winehouse and her family were the subject of a documentary titled Saving Amy, shot by Daphne Barak. Also in 2009, Winehouse entered into a joint venture with EMI to launch a range of wrapping paper and gift cards featuring lyrics from her album Back to Black.

2009: Contribution to Climate Change Awareness CD

In 2009, Amy Winehouse appeared on a CD called "Classics" alongside other musicians to raise awareness of climate change, demonstrating her commitment to environmental causes.

2009: Winehouse obtains injunction against paparazzi agency

In 2009, Amy Winehouse obtained an injunction against the paparazzi agency, Big Pictures, under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The court order restricted photographers from following her and photographing her within 100 metres of her London home or the homes of her friends and relatives. This legal action was taken to ensure the safety of Winehouse and those close to her.

January 2010: Television Documentary and Book Release

In January 2010, a television documentary titled My Daughter Amy aired on Channel 4. Saving Amy was also released as a paperback book in January 2010.

October 2010: Winehouse speaks about quitting drugs

In October 2010, Amy Winehouse revealed in an interview that she had quit using illegal substances. She stated she woke up one day and no longer wanted to continue using drugs. However, alcohol became a new challenge for her.

March 2011: Donation to Charity Shop

In March 2011, Amy Winehouse donated over £20,000 worth of clothes to a local charity shop in London, contributing to her community.

July 2011: Last Public Appearance

On 20 July 2011, Amy Winehouse made her last public appearance at Camden's Roundhouse, supporting her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield on stage. Three days later, she passed away.

2011: Death in London

In 2011, Amy Winehouse died at her home in Camden Square, London, at the age of 27 due to alcohol poisoning.

2012: Mitch Winehouse's Book on Amy

In 2012, Mitch Winehouse published "Amy, My Daughter", a book in which he wrote about Amy Winehouse's nervousness before public performances.

June 2013: Alex Winehouse shares belief about sister's eating disorder

In a June 2013 interview, Alex Winehouse expressed his belief that his sister's eating disorder and the resulting physical weakness were the primary cause of her death.