I first heard about the tragic news of Amy Winehouse in my partner’s car on the way to Beccles, Suffolk, yesterday evening. My partner’s daughter called on the mobile to tell us the sad news. We tuned into the radio and listened to Alan Carr on BBC Radio 2 announce: “Amy Winehouse was found dead in her Camden flat”. Kelly Osbourne wrote: “I can’t even breath right now, I’m crying so hard I just lost 1 of my best friends. I love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!” Mark Ronson, who produced Back to Black, said: “She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life.”
I instantly felt a sorrow for a number of reasons: 1. A beautiful lady my age, 27, had lost her life when she had everything to live for. – 2. I know the pain and anguish that her family and friends will be feeling. – 3. We had lost one of the most gifted and talented recording artists of our generation.
As a fellow recovering alcoholic and drug-addict, I know the suffering and darkness that addiction creates in the mind of a human being. It robs you of your power to say no – one becomes completely powerless. It plays havoc with your morals, steals your joy and creates deep self-loathing. I eventually got clean and sober at 21, after joining a handful of 12-Step fellowships and working a new spiritual program which I still do to this day.
Unfortunately, in the United Kingdom, the masses are still ignorant about alcoholism and addiction and it is perceived as a “weak personality disorder” or described as a “drink or drug problem”. In America, most Drs, hospitals and clinics accept that addiction is an often fatal illness which develops in the mind and brain and disarms the will power of its subject to stop using. To compound the problem, an allergy in the body follows, which makes the craving unbearable leading the addict to drink or use into oblivion. Most addicts and alcoholics die from the sinister two-fold illness. Some can stay dry on their own; however most need spiritual solutions which are found in 12-step groups.
Whenever the London-born Amy Winehouse’s name is mentioned in the future; her tragic last few years will always lurk in our consciousness. However, I will remember her for one important thing: HER MUSIC. She brought back soul into mainstream music, won 5 Grammys in a year and inspired a new generation of young musicians who thought there was no more room for soulful music. Her music will continue to inspire young artists to create. As a life coach, author and professional speaker, I know how powerful and crucial inspiration is. It moves human souls to perform wonderful acts and create beautiful artistry. Amy’s music will continue to do this for eternity!
Christopher Dines, Sunday 24th July 2011.