Amy Winehouse Found Dead!

The U.K pop star Amy Winehouse has been found dead in her house in London, , according to multiple British wire reports. Britain’s Sky News reported that paramedics were called to her home at just after 4 p.m., but the 27 year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Winehouse publicists in the U.S. and Great Britain have not yet responded to requests for comment. No reason has yet been cited as a cause of death.

Winehouse had recently canceled her summer European tour dates after a disastrous performance in the Serbian capital of Belgrade in which the singer was heavily booed after arriving late and then staggering through the performance. Such erratic behavior has largely been the norm for Winehouse since her 2006 effort “Back to Black” catapulted her to stardom.

Winehouse released her debut, “Frank,” in 2003, a collection of jazzy neo-soul tunes. Her 2006 album, “Back to Black,” saw Winehouse remade as a tough, no-nonsense R&B singer in a ’60s-inspired vintage mode. Working with rising producer Mark Ronson and New York’s acclaimed rhythm & blues crew the Dap Kings, “Back to Black” was heavy on noir imagery and recalled the early days of Motown, most notably in the hit singles “Rehab” and “You Know I’m No Good.”

The album and its singles were the recipients of numerous accolades at the 2008 Grammy Awards, including song and record of the year for “Rehab.” Winehouse was named best new artist at the ceremony. Just before the 2008 Grammy Awards, Winehouse was the subject of much speculation as she had entered a rehabilitation facility and was denied a U.S. visa. She performed on the live Grammy telecast via satellite from London.

A third album was long rumored but never materialized, and much of Winehouse’s post-“Back to Black” career was mired in sudden stops and starts and troubles with abuse and the law. She was due to be a headliner at the 2009 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival but was forced to cancel after being charged with assault for allegedly attacking a fan week before the festival.

Winehouse has recorded a song for Tony Bennett’s “Duets II,” which is scheduled for release in September.

Source: Los Angeles Times