How Amy Winehouse Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Amy Winehouse continue to shape the world today.

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

April 2008: Album Sales Milestone and Documentary Review Release

By 12 March (reported in April 2008), Amy Winehouse's album "Back to Black" had sold a total of 2,467,575 copies in the UK, placing it among the top-10 best-selling albums of the 21st century. On 14 April 2008, the documentary "Amy Winehouse – The Girl Done Good: A Documentary Review" was released.

May 2008: Exhibition at London's Mall Galleries

In May 2008, London's Mall Galleries opened an exhibition including a sculpture of Winehouse titled "Excess" by Guy Portelli and a print titled "Celebrity 1" by Charlotte Suckling.

July 2008: Immortalized at Madame Tussauds

On July 23, 2008, Amy Winehouse was immortalized at London Madame Tussauds with a waxwork.

November 2008: Exhibition of Controversial Sculpture in New York

On November 14, 2008, a sculpture by Marco Perego titled "The Only Good Rock Star Is a Dead Rock Star," depicting Winehouse in a controversial manner, went on display in New York's Half Gallery with a sale price of US$100,000.

December 2008: Inclusion in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC

In December 2008, a clip of Amy Winehouse's music was included in the "Roots and Influences" area of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC, highlighting her connections to artists like Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and Mary J. Blige.

March 2009: Contribution to British Music Experience Museum

In March 2009, Amy Winehouse loaned a vintage dress and a DVD from her "Tears Dry on Their Own" video to the British Music Experience, a new museum dedicated to British pop music history.

2009: Guinness Book of Records Entry

In 2009, Amy Winehouse earned an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for Most Grammy Awards won by a British Female Act, solidifying her impact on the music industry.

2009: Release of John Lennon Biopic, Nowhere Boy, Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson

In 2009, Sam Taylor-Johnson directed the John Lennon biopic, Nowhere Boy.

2010: Publication of "Saving Amy" by Daphne Barak

In 2010, Daphne Barak published the book "Saving Amy", which chronicled the late singer's final years.

March 2011: Winehouse influence on British female artists in the US

In March 2011, the New York Daily News published an article attributing the wave of successful British female artists in the United States to Amy Winehouse and her absence. Charles Aaron from Spin magazine stated, "Amy Winehouse was the Nirvana moment for all these women," linking their attitude, musical styles, and fashion to her influence. Keith Caulfield from Billboard noted that Winehouse's impact allowed singers like Adele, Estelle, and Duffy to succeed, paving the way for new artists like Eliza Doolittle, Rumer, and Ellie.

July 2011: Amy Winehouse found dead in her London home

On July 23, 2011, Amy Winehouse was found unresponsive in her Camden, London home at 3:00 PM BST and was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:54 PM. Her death at age 27 led to comparisons to other musicians who died at the same age, known as the 27 Club.

July 2011: Amy Winehouse's funeral held in North London

On July 26, 2011, Amy Winehouse's funeral was held at Edgwarebury Lane Cemetery in North London. It was a private ceremony attended by family and friends, including her parents, Janis and Mitch Winehouse, and celebrities such as Nick Grimshaw, Kelly Osbourne, and Mark Ronson. Her father delivered the eulogy, and Carole King's "So Far Away" was played. She was later cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, and the family planned a two-day shiva.

August 2011: Toxicology report reveals no illegal substances in Winehouse's system

By August 2011, a toxicology report revealed that no illegal substances were identified in Amy Winehouse's system at the time of her death, disproving speculation about substance abuse being a factor.

September 2011: Posthumous Release of "Body and Soul" Duet

Amy Winehouse's last recording, a duet with Tony Bennett titled "Body and Soul" for his album "Duets II", was released on 14 September 2011, on MTV and VH1, to commemorate what would have been her 28th birthday. "Duets II" was released on 20 September 2011.

September 2011: Launch of the Amy Winehouse Foundation

In September 2011, on what would have been Amy Winehouse's 28th birthday, Winehouse's family launched the Amy Winehouse Foundation to help vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

October 2011: Coroner's report states Winehouse's blood alcohol content was over five times the legal limit

In October 2011, the coroner's report stated that Amy Winehouse's blood alcohol content was 416mg per 100ml (0.416%) at the time of her death, more than five times the legal drink-drive limit, leading to a 'death by misadventure' verdict.

2011: Plans for a Film About Winehouse's Life

In late 2011, reports surfaced that Winehouse's former boyfriend, Reg Traviss, was developing a film about her. Mitch Winehouse, who owns the copyright to his daughter's music, stated he would not authorize the use of her music for the film.

February 2012: Winehouse ranked 26th on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list

In February 2012, Amy Winehouse was ranked 26th on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list, recognizing her significant impact and contribution to music.

September 2012: Winehouse's ashes buried alongside her grandmother

On September 16, 2012, Amy Winehouse's ashes were buried alongside those of her grandmother Cynthia Levy at Edgwarebury Lane Cemetery.

December 2012: British authorities reopen probe into Winehouse's death

On December 17, 2012, British authorities reopened the probe into Amy Winehouse's death because the first coroner was deemed 'not qualified' for the role.

2012: Posthumous Release of Winehouse's Fred Perry Collections

Following Amy Winehouse's death, Fred Perry released three forthcoming collections, up to and including autumn/winter 2012, that she had designed prior to her passing. Additionally, Fred Perry began donating 20% of the net revenue from the Amy Winehouse collection to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

2012: Appearance on Sgt. Pepper's Album Cover Recreation

In 2012, Amy Winehouse was selected by Sir Peter Blake to appear in a new version of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover, celebrating British cultural figures.

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.

2012: Publication of "Amy: My Daughter" by Mitch Winehouse

In 2012, Mitch Winehouse published his biography of Amy, titled "Amy: My Daughter," with proceeds donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

2012: Tribute song released by Patti Smith

In 2012, Patti Smith released "This Is the Girl" on her album Banga as an homage to Amy Winehouse.

January 2013: Second inquest confirms misadventure verdict due to alcohol poisoning

On January 8, 2013, the second inquest into Amy Winehouse's death matched the conclusions of the first, with coroner Dr. Shirley Radcliffe finding that her death was a result of misadventure due to alcohol poisoning.

March 2013: Launch of the Amy Winehouse Foundation Resilience Programme For Schools

On March 12, 2013, the Amy Winehouse Foundation, with the assistance of Russell Brand, launched the Amy Winehouse Foundation Resilience Programme For Schools across the UK. The program aims to provide education around drugs, alcohol, and dealing with emotional issues.

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.

July 2013: Opening of "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" Exhibit

On July 3, 2013, the exhibit "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait," co-curated by her brother and sister-in-law, opened at the Jewish Museum London.

September 2013: "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" Exhibit at Jewish Museum London Closes

On September 15, 2013, the exhibit "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" closed at the Jewish Museum London.

2013: "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" Exhibition at the Jewish Museum London

In 2013, the Jewish Museum London ran an exhibition titled "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" in memory of Amy Winehouse. The exhibition showcased the history of her family, tracing her paternal great-great-grandfather's arrival from Minsk in 1890 and their subsequent settlement in London.

September 2014: Unveiling of Amy Winehouse Statue in Camden Town

On September 14, 2014, which would have been Amy Winehouse's 31st birthday, a statue of her by sculptor Scott Eaton was unveiled at Stables Market in Camden Town, North London.

2014: Publication of "Loving Amy: A Mother's Story" by Janis Winehouse

In 2014, Janis Winehouse published "Loving Amy: A Mother's Story," with proceeds donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

July 2015: "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" Exhibit Opens in San Francisco

On July 23, 2015, the exhibit "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" opened in San Francisco.

July 2015: Release of the Documentary Film "Amy"

On July 3, 2015, the documentary film "Amy," directed by Asif Kapadia, was released. The film covers Winehouse's life, relationships, and struggles with substance abuse.

October 2015: Mark Ronson Becomes a Patron of the Amy Winehouse Foundation

In October 2015, Mark Ronson became a patron of the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

October 2015: Release of "Amy" Soundtrack

On October 30, 2015, the soundtrack for the documentary film "Amy" was released, featuring music by Antônio Pinto and tracks by Winehouse.

November 2015: "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" Exhibit Closes in San Francisco

On November 1, 2015, the exhibit "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait" closed in San Francisco.

2015: Release of Fifty Shades of Grey

In 2015, Sam Taylor-Johnson directed Fifty Shades of Grey.

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2016: Amy Wins Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature

In 2016, the documentary "Amy" received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars.

March 2017: Bob Dylan praises Winehouse's last record

In March 2017, Bob Dylan praised Amy Winehouse's last record, Back to Black, calling her "the last real individualist around", highlighting her unique artistry and lasting influence.

October 2017: Announcement of a West End/Broadway Musical on Amy Winehouse

On October 9, 2017, Mitch Winehouse announced that a West End/Broadway musical on Amy is in the works at the Amy Winehouse Foundation Gala event in London.

October 2018: Deal Signed for Film Biopic

In October 2018, Amy Winehouse's estate signed a multi-million pound deal to make a film biopic about her life and career.

November 2018: Release of Amy Winehouse – Back to Black Documentary Film

On November 2, 2018, a documentary film based on Winehouse's album Back to Black, Amy Winehouse – Back to Black, was released on DVD. The film includes interviews and archival footage and is accompanied by An Intimate Evening in London, footage of a show Winehouse gave at Riverside Studios, London in 2008.

2018: Exhibition of "Amy's Glance" at London Art Fair

In 2018, Dan Llywelyn Hall's portrait of the singer, "Amy's Glance," was exhibited at the London Art Fair.

February 2019: Release of Posthumous Collaboration "Find My Love"

In February 2019, Salaam Remi released a compilation album including the song "Find My Love," a posthumous collaboration between Amy Winehouse and rapper Nas.

January 2020: "Beyond Black – The Style of Amy Winehouse" Opens at Grammy Museum

On January 17, 2020, an exhibition titled "Beyond Black – The Style of Amy Winehouse" opened at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, focusing on her style and fashion.

March 2020: Unveiling of Winehouse's Stone on Music Walk of Fame

In March 2020, Amy Winehouse's name on a stone was unveiled on the new Music Walk of Fame in Camden, with her parents Mitch and Janis in attendance.

April 2020: "Beyond Black – The Style of Amy Winehouse" Exhibition Closes

On April 13, 2020, the exhibition "Beyond Black – The Style of Amy Winehouse" closed at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

2020: Death of Barbara Windsor

In 2020, Barbara Windsor, who was a patron of the Amy Winehouse Foundation, passed away.

July 2021: BBC Two Airs "Reclaiming Amy"

In July 2021, a new documentary titled "Reclaiming Amy" aired on BBC Two to mark the 10th anniversary of Winehouse's death, narrated by her mother Janis Winehouse-Collins.

August 2021: Film Based on "Saving Amy" Greenlighted

In August 2021, it was reported that a film based on Daphne Barak's 2010 book, Saving Amy, had been greenlighted by Halcyon Studios.

September 2021: Mitch Winehouse Rejects Film Based on "Saving Amy"

In September 2021, Amy's father, Mitch Winehouse, stated that a film based on Daphne Barak's 2010 book, Saving Amy, was “100% not allowed.”

November 2021: "Amy: Beyond the Stage" Exhibition Opens at the Design Museum in London

On November 26, 2021, an exhibition titled "Amy: Beyond the Stage" opened at the Design Museum in Kensington, London, also presenting some of Winehouse's personal belongings and focusing on her fashion sense, as well as paying homage to her musical career. Also in November 2021, various of Winehouse's personal items and famous dresses would later be auctioned at Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles and made more than £3m, 30% going to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

April 2022: "Amy: Beyond the Stage" Exhibition Closes

On April 10, 2022, the exhibition "Amy: Beyond the Stage" closed at the Design Museum in Kensington, London.

July 2022: Announcement of the Feature Film Biopic "Back To Black"

In July 2022, it was reported that a feature film biopic, entitled Back To Black (2024) was to be produced by StudioCanal UK, distributed by Focus Features and directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

January 2023: Marisa Abela Cast as Amy Winehouse in "Back to Black"

In January 2023, it was revealed that British actress Marisa Abela would play the leading role of Amy Winehouse in the film "Back to Black", and filming commenced later that month in London.

2023: Winehouse ranked among the greatest singers of all time

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Amy Winehouse at number 83 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, solidifying her status as one of the most influential and talented vocalists in music history.