By Jill Lawless
Associated Press
LONDON — Friends and family said goodbye to Amy Winehouse last Tuesday with prayers, tears, laughter and song at a funeral ceremony in London.
The singer’s father, mother and brother and close friends, along with band members and celebrities — including producer Mark Ronson and media personality Kelly Osbourne, her hair piled beehive-high in an echo of the singer’s trademark style — were among several hundred mourners attending the service at Edgwarebury Cemetery in north London.
Photographers and a few fans lined the lane outside.
The Jewish service was led by a rabbi and included prayers in English and Hebrew and reminiscences from Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse. The cab driver and jazz singer, who helped foster his daughter’s love of music, ended his eulogy with the words “Goodnight, my angel, sleep tight. Mummy and Daddy love you ever so much.”
It ended with a rendition of Carole King’s “So Far Away,” one of Winehouse’s favorite songs.
“Mitch was funny, he told some great stories from childhood about how headstrong she was, and clearly the family and friends recognized the stories and laughed along,” said family spokesman Chris Goodman.
“He stressed so many times she was happier now than she had ever been and he spoke about her boyfriend and paid tribute to a lot of people in her life.”
The service was being followed by cremation at London’s Golders Green Crematorium before the family begins Shiva, a Jewish traditional period of mourning.
The soul diva, who had battled alcohol and drug addiction, was found dead Saturday at her London home. She was 27.
An autopsy held Monday failed to determine the cause of the singer’s death. Police are awaiting the results of toxicology tests, which will take two to four weeks.
On Monday the singer’s father, mother and brother visited the house where she died, thanking mourners who had left flowers and cards.
Father Mitch Winehouse said “Amy was about one thing and that was love.”
“Her whole life was devoted to her family and her friends and to you guys as well,” he told fans.
Winehouse released only two albums in her short career — winning five Grammy awards for the second, “Back to Black” — and often made headlines because of drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, destructive relationships and abortive performances.
Since her death, her records have re-entered album charts around the world, and tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians.
George Michael called her “the most soulful vocalist this country has ever seen,” and soul singer Adele said she “paved the way for artists like me and made people excited about British music again.”
Following is a selection of quotes tweeted Saturday in response to soul-jazz singer Amy Winehouse’s death:
“She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life.” — Producer Mark Ronson, who has worked closely with the singer.
“Amy Winehouse was an artist of immense proportions and I am deeply saddened to learn of her tragic passing. She was an extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist and I am truly devastated that her exceptional talent has come to such an early end. She was a lovely and intelligent person and when we recorded together she gave a soulful and extraordinary performance. I was honored to have the opportunity to sing with her. It had been my sincere hope that she would be able to overcome the issues she was battling and I send my deepest sympathy to her father Mitchell, her entire family and all of those who loved her.”
— Singer Tony Bennett, who recorded the classic pop standard “Body And Soul” with Winehouse at Abbey Road Studios in London in March.
“Five-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse was a dynamic performer and musician who seamlessly blended rock, jazz, pop, and soul and created a sound all her own. Her rich, soulful and unique voice reflected her honest songwriting and earned her a devoted fan following, critical acclaim, and the genuine respect and admiration of her musical peers. She will forever be remembered for her immense talent, and her music will live on for generations to come. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
— The Recording Academy
From Twitter:
“Dear God have mercy, I’m SICK about this now!
— Rihanna
“Truly sad news about Amy Winehouse. My heart goes out to her family. May her troubled soul find peace.”
— Demi Moore
“Please tell me Amy Winehouse didn’t die. Is this some sick joke?”
–Nicki Minaj
“SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse”
— Dr. Drew Pinsky
“So sad about Amy Winehouse – she was so talented. Really tragic.”
— Jessica Alba
“i cant even breath right my 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!”
— Kelly Osbourne
“The last time I spoke 2 amy I told her let her light shine more”
— Rapper Q-Tip
“I’m so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse’s death. I’m so happy I knew you Amy…Rest Well. Gone Too Soon…we’ll miss you!!”
— Usher
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