Died On This Date (July 23, 2011) Amy Winehouse / English Pop Singer
themusicsover Amy Winehouse
September 14, 1983 – July 23, 2011
Member of the 27 Club
Amy Winehouse was an English singer-songwriter who burst on to the scene in 2006 and quickly built a legion of fans for her soulful and sultry songs that offered a mix of R&B, Jazz, Rock, Pop, and Soul. During a relatively short and troubled life in front of the masses, Winehouse opened the door for such white neo-soul divas as Duffy and Adele. Born in north London, Winehouse quickly took a shine to music and soon found herself being scolded by her teachers for constantly breaking out into a song during classes. By 13, she had her first guitar, and within a year she was writing her own songs. Shortly after that she was signed by Simon Fuller’s 19 Management. Fuller of course, is of American Idol fame. In October of 2003, Winehouse released her debut album, Frank, likely in a nod to one of her idols, Frank Sinatra. The album was critically acclaimed and did well across the U.K., but it wasn’t until the release of 2006’s Back To Black and its instantly iconic first single, “Rehab,” that Winehouse’s popularity skyrocketed around the globe. The album entered the U.S. charts at #7, and was the biggest selling album of the year in the U.K. Back To Black and Winehouse won several Grammys that year, including Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist. The album also sat in the Top 10 of most credible year-end best-of lists of 2006. But the spotlight was harsh on Winehouse who was dealing with her own internal demons. She admitted to struggling with eating disorders, depression and self harm, while abuse of illegal drugs contributing to a life that seemed to be quickly spiraling out of control. There were also a handful of legal issues – drug related and otherwise, along with health problems that were keeping Winehouse’s often sadly frightening images in the media, no thanks to paparazzi who were documenting her fall from greatness. On July 23, 2011, Amy Winehouse was found to be not breathing in her bed by her security guard who immediately called paramedics who were not able to revive her. Cause of death was attributed to alcohol poisoning. Like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and so many great 27 Clubbers before her, Winehouse was 27 when she passed away.
What You Should Own
Bill Morrissey was a respected folk singer-songwriter who, since the release of his 1984 self-titled debut, built a sizable following thanks to his thought-provoking narratives that typically dealt with the ups and downs of life in small town America. Morrissey released ten albums throughout his career, with two earning him Grammy nominations. Bill Morrissey was 59 when he died of heart disease on July 23, 2011.
Gil Bernal was an esteemed jazz saxophonist and vocalist who, over a career that spanned some 60 years, became one of L.A.’s most in-demand session player, and played with a laundry list of the world’s greatest jazz musicians. Born in the Watts section of Los Angeles, Bernal grew up with future jazz greats Big Jay McNeely and 
Rob Grill is likely best remembered as the singer, bassist and songwriter for iconic American rock band, the Grass Roots. He fronted the band during its most celebrated years of 1967 to 1971. Born and raised in Hollywood, California, Grill jumped into the music business shortly after high school by going to work at American Recording Studios. It wasn’t long before he joined forces with P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri in the Grass Roots, who went on to chart nearly 30 singles and earn two gold and two platinum albums. In all, Grill played or sang on 16 of their albums and 32 singles. Their hits with Grill included “Let’s Live For Today,” “Midnight Confessions,” and “Sooner Or Later.” After parting ways with the band in the late ’70s, Grill launched a solo career that included a 1979 album with that included members of Fleetwood Mac. During the ’80s, he formed The Grass Roots, Featuring Rob Grill and toured the US and beyond for the better part of the next three decades. Reportedly in ailing health in recent weeks, Rob Grill passed away peacefully in his wife’s arms on July 11, 2011 as they listened to “Let’s Live For Today.” He was 67. Cause of death was not immediately released.