Amy Winehouse, one of the most talented singers of her generation whose hit song "Rehab" summed up her personal struggles with addiction, died in London on Saturday at the age of 27.
The multiple Grammy winner, famed for her black beehive hair, soulful voice and erratic behaviour both on and off stage, was found dead at her home in Camden, north London. Police were called to the address at around 1500 GMT.
"Inquiries continue into the circumstances of the death at this early stage. It is being treated as unexplained," a police spokesman said. Sky News quoted police sources as saying they suspected the death was caused by a drugs overdose.
"We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer," her record label Universal said in a statement. "Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."
Police cordoned off the street outside Winehouse's home in Camden, where dozens of onlookers gathered along with fans, media photographers and camera crew. It is understood Winehouse had only just moved into her new home.
Sarah Brown, wife of former prime minister Gordon Brown, tweeted: "sad sad news of Amy Winehouse - great talent, extraordinary voice, and tragic death, condolences to her family."
Kelly Osbourne, a singer and television personality, also took to the micro blogging site to react: "i cant even breath right now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"
Broadcaster and radio DJ Paul Gambaccini said Winehouse's early death was sadly no surprise.
"She just could not control herself. It's tragic because both her albums were superb. We have 40 years of Frank Sinatra records, it turns out we only have two Amy Winehouse records."
Comedian and former drug addict Russell Brand paid written tribute to the singer saying they had "shared an affliction, the disease of addiction". He accused the media of being more interested in "tragedy than talent". On his website he wrote: "We have lost a beautiful and talented woman to this disease. Not all addicts have Amy's incredible talent. Some people just get the affliction. All we can do is adapt the way we view this condition, not as a crime or a romantic affectation but as a disease that will kill."
Winehouse was born on Sept. 14, 1983, to a family with a history of jazz musicians. She was discovered by soul singer Tyler James at the age of 16 and in 2003 her debut album "Frank" was released, to general acclaim.
Her second album "Back to Black" was released in October 2006 and reached the No. 1 spot in Britain and earned her five Grammy awards, pop music's equivalent of the Oscars.
The album's hit single "Rehab" contained the line: "They tried to make me go to rehab. I said 'no, no, no'."
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