Gone too soon. Amy Winehouse made her mark on the music industry before her tragic passing at the young age of 27. The iconic songstress was clearly a force to be reckoned with, as she dropped several chart-topping singles which fans still listen to today. Amy captivated the world with her unique sense of style, powerhouse voice and soulful lyrics to match. On top of that, she inspired others with her confidence to be unapologetically herself. In honor of what would have been her birthday on Saturday, September 14, we’re taking a look back at photos of the singer over the years. Scroll through the gallery below.
David Butler/Shutterstock
A STAR IS BORN
Amy was born in London, England and she reportedly always had a passion for music. The singer finally got her big break when a classmate gave her demo tape to a record label.
Richard Young/Shutterstock
A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
The late songstress was initially signed to A&R as a jazz vocalist, but it didn’t take long for others to take notice of her talent. Amy later scored a record deal with Island/Universal.
Shutterstock
RISE TO FAME
Amy dropped her debut album, Frank, in 2003 and it was very well received by critics. The album was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in addition to two BRIT awards, which is no small feat.
John Taylor/Shutterstock
LIFE CHANGES
Steve Dutton/Shutterstock
SPEAKING HER MIND
However, Amy had a different plan. The singer poured out her heart in the hit single “Rehab,” which became an instant success on her chart-topping new album Back to Black.
Peter Brooker/Shutterstock
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Not only was it huge in the United Kingdom, but the jam also topped the Billboard music charts. It was such a success, that it was more than any other American debut by a British female recording artist in history.
John Alex Maguire/Shutterstock
KEEPING IT REAL
In 2007, Amy revealed that her relationship with Blake inspired several of the singles on her latest album. “‘Back To Black’ is about being in a relationship that when it’s finished you go back to what you know, except I wasn’t working so I couldn’t go and throw myself back into work,” she told CNN.
James Mccauley/Shutterstock
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
“And where the guy obviously went back to his ex-girlfriend, I didn’t really have anything else to go back to so I guess I went back to a black for a few months, you know … Doing silly things, as you do when you’re 22 and you’re young and in love,” Amy added.
Matt Dunham/AP/Shutterstock
TOUGH TIMES
The singer also spoke candidly about their hardships together during an interview with MTV. “I was in love at the time and I knew it couldn’t work out, you know. It was very much right place wrong time or right fella wrong time,” she explained.
Globe Photos/mediapunch/Shutterstock
MATTERS OF THE HEART
“We were definitely too much for each other,” Amy added. “We couldn’t be together, can’t be together.”
Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock
ON-AGAIN, OFF-AGAIN
Amy and Blake did ultimately end up getting married in 2007, but unfortunately it didn’t last long. The couple split in 2009.
Richard Young/Shutterstock
EYES ON THE PRIZE
Despite her romantic setbacks, Amy’s career was still reaching new heights. The singer managed to win five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Arnold Slater/Shutterstock
GONE TOO SOON
Unfortunately, the iconic songstress infamously battled a serious drug and alcohol addiction and she tragically passed away on July 23, 2011, at the age of 27 due to accidental alcohol poisoning.
Richard Young/Shutterstock
SHARING CONDOLENCES
After hearing about her untimely death, several fans and stars took to social media to grieve, including her friend Kelly Osbourne. “I can’t even breathe right now I’m crying so hard. I love you forever Amy and I will never forget the real you,” she tweeted.
Richard Young/Shutterstock
FOREVER MISSED
Even though several years have passed, many people are still mourning. Most recently, Amy’s mother and goddaughter shared heartfelt tributes on the eighth anniversary of her death.
Beretta/Sims/Hordle/Karius/Shutterstock
CHERISHING HER MEMORY
The singer’s mom, Janis H. Winehouse, took to Twitter with a photo of a lit candle next to her daughter’s high heel shoes.
Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock
HEARTFELT MESSAGE
Amy’s goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield, also shared a throwback portrait of them spending quality time together. “Miss you always but today more than ever, 
” she wrote on July 23.
Facundo Arrizabalaga/Shutterstock
POWERHOUSE VOICE
In her final interview, the singer shared more details about the woman she was. “I’m not a natural born performer. I’m a natural singer, but I’m quite shy, really,” Amy told the Daily Telegraph.
Shutterstock
GIVING INSIGHT
“You know what it’s like? I don’t mean to be sentimental or soppy but it’s a little bit like being in love, when you can’t eat, you’re restless, it’s like that,” she added.
Copetti/Photofab/Mcp/Shutterstock
REST IN PEACE
“But then the minute you go on stage, everything’s OK. The minute you start singing.”
We’re keeping Amy’s loved ones in our thoughts.
