Amy, My Daughter

Amy, My Daughter
Mitch Winehouse

As an artist, she had few peers. Her lyrical prowess and timeless contralto vocals made her an instant revelation when her debut album Frank was released in 2003. And as her star continued to rise it became evident that this seemingly delicate girl from north London was much more than just a precocious talent.Genius, inspiration, icon; there are many ways to describe Amy Winehouse, but it was her wit, charm and lust for life that cemented her place in the hearts of her fans.Here, using exclusive extracts from his own personal diaries, Amy’s father and confidant Mitch celebrates what influenced his daughter. Documenting her early years from Sylvia Young to the Brit School, and the darker side of her life as she struggled to cope with her addictions under the glare of the media spotlight, he gives new insights.With never before seen photos, notes and drawings, this book brings together the many layers of Amy’s life – the personal, the private and the public – to create an honest and intensely moving account of the life of the most talented recording artist of her generation.

AMY

MY DAUGHTER

MITCH WINEHOUSE

All author proceeds from this book will be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.

The Amy Winehouse Foundation has been set up in Amy’s memory to support charitable activities in both the UK and abroad that provide help, support or care for young people, especially those who are in need by reason of ill health, disability, financial disadvantage or addiction.

www.amywinehousefoundation.org (http://www.amywinehousefoundation.org)

Dedication (#uf17f966f-0d90-50ab-b238-fb1dc464ab5e)

This book is dedicated to my father Alec, my mother Cynthia and my daughter Amy. They showed me that love is the most powerful force in the universe.

Love transcends even death.

They will live in my heart forever.

Contents

Title Page (#ua61cf549-c923-58bf-983b-a48ad0f65690)

Dedication

BEFORE WE START

THANKS, AND A NOTE

PROLOGUE

1 - ALONG CAME AMY

2 - TAKING TO THE STAGE

3 - ‘WENN’ SHE FELL IN LOVE

4 - FRANK – GIVING A DAMN

5 - A PAIN IN SPAIN

6 - FADE TO BLACK

7 - ‘RONNIE SPECTOR MEETS THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN’

8 - ATTACK AND THE ‘PAPS’

9 - HOOKED

10 - A BROKEN RECORD

11 - BIRMINGHAM 2007

12 - ‘AGAIN, SHE’S FINE, THANKS FOR ASKING’

13 - PRESS, LIES, AND A VIDEOTAPE

14 - DRUGS – THE ROCKY ROAD TO RECOVERY

15 - CLASS-A MUG STILL TAKING DRUGS

16 - ‘IT AIN’T BLOODY FUNNY’

17 - BEACHED

18 - ‘I’LL CRY IF I WANT TO’

19 - ‘BODY AND SOUL’

20 - ‘GIVE ME A CUDDLE, DAD’

21 - FAREWELL, CAMDEN TOWN

EPILOGUE

A NOTE ON THE AMY WINEHOUSE FOUNDATION

Photographic Insert

About the Author

Credits

Copyright

About the Publisher

BEFORE WE START (#uf17f966f-0d90-50ab-b238-fb1dc464ab5e)

You’ll understand if I tell you this is not the book I wanted to write. I had been working on one about my family’s history with my friend Paul Sassienie and his writing partner Howard Ricklow. It was due to be published this year.

I needed to write this book instead. I needed to tell you the real story of Amy’s life. I’m a plain-talking guy and I’ll be telling it like it was. Amy’s too-short life was a roller-coaster ride; I’m going to tell you about all of it. Apart from being her father, I was also her friend, confidant and adviser – not that she always took my advice, but she always heard me out. For Amy, I was the port in the storm; for me, she – along with her brother Alex – was the light of my life.

I hope, through reading this book, that you will gain a better understanding of and a new perspective on my darling daughter Amy.