Remembering Amy Winehouse: I Wish She Said…………..
I wish she sang, “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
Instead it was. “No. No. No.”
I am referring to a lyric from an Amy Winehouse song about passing on rehabilitation treatment.
A few days ago, I woke to radio news. I heard a blip–a mere soundbite–that “troubled” pop singer Amy Winehouse is dead.
The news delivery was blunt. No feeling. Devoid of emotion.
I find that perplexing because Ms. Winehouse produced 2 CD in her short career. These 2 CDs were noting but blunt. They were exploding with feeling and raw emotion.
Sadness turned to sorrow. I reached over from my bed, shut the radio off, and slept for 20 more minutes–however, sleep was evasive.
I thought…………This is just like Janis Joplin. This is similar to Jim Morrison. Kurt left this world much too soon. Oh, Jimi Hendrix. You were a master of the guitar and could deliver a lyric with power. Sam Cooke, your smooth soulful voice was silenced by violence. I hardly hear your songs played on the radio today. Oh, when time passes and memory fades people often forget; yet I do not. Cass Elliott. Karen Carpenter. John. Imagine what these artist would be doing if alive today? Ah, speculation. It is a game we play.
When discussing Ms. Winehouse with a good friend in the medical field, he said, “Many people refuse help. THEY have to make the decision to get clean and sober and STAY clean and sober.”
My retort was, “But……………but…………”
I found myself sputtering and floundering like a sailboat off course.
If only Ms. Winehouse was able to find a medical treatment center, far from the maddening crowd. I wish she could have sought comprehensive medical attention. Contrary to popular belief, she did enter rehabilitation several times, yet fell backwards into the vortex of addiction.
Addiction is a medical condition. It is not weakness of character. It affects all rungs of society.
Outside of Ms. Winehouse’s home, fans created a memorial with teddy bears, poems, hand written letters, smokes, empty vodka bottles, flowers, candles, pictures, wine glasses filled with wine, and other expressions to represent loss. Memorials help those who are left behind.
Right now, I feel sad for Amy’s parents and all those who admired her artistry. It is strange to write the word “admired in the past tense.
You might find yourself in a club, or shopping in some hip store with an I-tune play list or songs downloaded using Pandora. On may come an Amy Winehouse song. I’m sure you will reflect on her unique talent–and note her voice was silenced way before its time.
Like the flash of a comet, Ms. Winehouse’s life was brief, yet her impact on the music world will be remembered for years to come.
Sleep soundly with the angels, Amy. You are at peace.
Brendan Ben Feeney
July 28th, 2011 at 12:41 am
I love as much what you carried out here. The sketch is tasteful. Your author this subject in a stylish matter…….
July 28th, 2011 at 6:29 am
Great post. You have pointed out some great details. As well, I think this is an excellent website.
July 29th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Woah! I really love the template of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. Good balance between user friendliness and visual appearance….
July 30th, 2011 at 6:21 am
Hi,thanks for your post and luckly to comment in your site!
July 31st, 2011 at 11:50 am
Brendan Ben. Great to see you writing on a host of interesting topics; many touching upon the arts and music. It was tragic to learn of Amy Winehouse’s death. With just 2 CDs under her belt, Amy did make an impact on the music world and had a host of loyal fans across the globe. You are correct when you write…Where were those around her to get her the proper help she needed? No more blind eyes. A fan of your sharp, spot-on writing. From the Canyon of LA
July 31st, 2011 at 11:50 am
Mmy Winehouse—–RIP
July 31st, 2011 at 11:50 am
The fact thaat Amy Winehouse dead is very sad 🙁
July 31st, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Brendan! Leave it to you to dash a tribute to Amy. Thanks from all of us at ***** (Business Name Witheld) request. RIP, Amy. You sang with such heart and soul.
BBF’s editor passes along this personal comment to LAWoman from BBF:
“LAWoman. Thanks for the note you sent me the other day. Yes, it is so sad to loose another member of the music community. Best of luck with your latest project. I will look for the CD release around the holiday season. With respect and friendship.”
Ben
July 31st, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Hello Brendan! Nice seeing you in California. Many thanks for the Amy Winehouse tribute. You have a way with words and are respected in the music community. Let’s git togther when in CA. Or, if we are in NYC, I will have my agent call your manager. Peace out. Name witheld upon request.
BBF’s editor passes along this personal comment to Da Music Masta from Brendan Ben Feeney:
“I was elated when I saw your name come across my desk. Sorry I cannot make the MTV Birthday Bash. The music will be good. But the food will be GREAT! Heheheh. I heard your tour is a huge success. Outdoors? No air condtioning? Say what?…………Crank the fans. Hehehe. Yes. I too was shocked to learn of Amy’s passing. We keep saying, “What if………” Keep in touch. Keep slamin’ da jam. Love the new CD. Also, you are getting lots of airplay. Congrats.” Ben
August 1st, 2011 at 3:51 am
Thanks for this great article. …Thanks again.
August 1st, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Useful info. Fortunate me, I discovered your website by accident. I’m stunned I did not make this discovery earlier! I bookmarked it.
August 1st, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I do not even know the way I stopped up right here, however I thought this post was good. I do not recognise who you are–but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger—in case you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
August 2nd, 2011 at 3:53 am
Really good post. I like your no bs posts. They are the reason I keep coming back here.
August 8th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Nice and informative. Thanks for sharing.
August 9th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Hi good blog and helpful.Thanks!!
August 9th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Nice share!! I Love to read this kind of post.
August 10th, 2011 at 6:32 am
I read your blog posts and and I like them. Thank you.
A. Rerko
Camera and Photo Information
August 10th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Nice and great post!!
August 11th, 2011 at 9:38 am
I like the valuable information in this blog.
August 12th, 2011 at 4:16 am
The site is coming along really well. It is fantastic to see your success and all your contributors! You have great ideas and I can see big things for you Brendan Ben. Keep up the good work.
August 12th, 2011 at 6:09 am
Nice Post!
August 14th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
“It’s sad when you see somebody that talented that passes away and doesn’t have to.” — Jeff Foxworthy
August 16th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Helpful post!!
August 17th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Helpful meterial. I was looking for this. Thanks!
August 18th, 2011 at 9:30 am
I agree!
August 18th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Thanks for sharing!
August 18th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
I love it!
August 19th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars.
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:55 am
Thanks for sharing with your readers this informative post!
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Ben….What a touching and true tribute to Amy. This business—and it is a business—can eat you up. Living out of a suitcase for 10 months of the year, for 13 years wears you down. As we have discusses, I have had my ups and downs. More ups than downs, thank God. You are a stable force in what you do. Ben. You are rock solid and a mentor to me and the band. Your art speaks volumes. Love your latest street photography you showed (name withheld) when you were in California. I agree with your premise. We need more outreach in my line of work to catch rising–and falling stars—like Amy. May she find the peace she could never find at home in London, or on tour around the world after her commanding win with those major music awards that begin with a G. Can’t wait to see you when you are in California again. (Name withheld per poster request)
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 pm
It’s a good thing to write about this topic. It makes people stop a little and think. Anyway, good share and nice blog, will be back for more 🙂
August 26th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Thanks for the information about Amy.
August 26th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Very good written post. It will be helpful to anybody who utilizes it, including myself. Keep up the good work – looking forward to more posts.
August 28th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
I enjoy coming back daily to see your writings. I have your page bookmarked on my favorite read list!
August 29th, 2011 at 11:14 am
Admin: great job!
September 1st, 2011 at 3:38 am
I gotta bookmark your internet web site. It seems very, very useful.
September 23rd, 2011 at 11:40 pm
An attention-grabbing dialogue is priceless commentary. I believe that you should write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo subject however generally individuals are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
September 24th, 2011 at 1:45 am
Yo, Ben. Nice seeing you in California at the event. Thanks for supporting our new project and editing lyrics for me. Hitting the road again in 2012. Lot of gratis gigs. Talk to (name withheld) off line this week. We will meet in NYC or if you get to the Islands this winter, hang in (name withheld) with me. I know how much you like sitting on the porch doing notheing. Ya, right. Peace. Love. In the spirit of Ja. Z
BBF’s editor sends this personal message to Ziggy from BBF:
“Thanks for the tx, Zig. I love the new work and the new sound. I will be in Canada over Thanksgiving woring on a photo shoot. I dash down to NYC in October to hang out with a photographer from Germany and the USA. I will be in NYC over Christmas and out to CA. Our wack schedules will intersect. Or, we will make time for them to intersect. Pass my love along to (name withheld). Keep the music flowing.” Ben