RIP Amy Winehouse - Tragic Ending - Gone Too Soon

British singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home this past Saturday. At this time, an autopsy and a toxicology report has been performed but it is too early to determine her actual cause of death. This certainly hasn't stop public speculation as to what killed her. Unfortunately before her death, Winehouse's name had already become synonymous with drug abuse, so the assumption is she overdosed on something. Her struggles with drug addiction had been well documented.  Her name seemed to appear more in the press for rehab stints, fights and arrests than it did for record releases, concerts and awards. The last thing that garnered attention in the media for Winehouse was merely a month ago when she appeared to be under the influence on stage at a concert in Belgrade, Serbia. She mumbled, stumbled, and forgot lyrics as her band struggled to help her get through the set. Winehouse had a soulless look in her eyes and she constantly kept embracing herself. It was truly, truly sad; she looked and sounded absolutely awful. That may have been the worse thing I have ever seen on stage at a concert. Sadly and ironically, it was her very last concert appearance.

Winehouse rose to international superstar status in 2007 with her multi-platinum, multi-award winning soul album "Back To Black". In 2007 and 2008, Winehouse was debatably the biggest artist in the world. I honestly must say I wasn't totally sold on her. From the singles she released, I thought she was good but I couldn't understand the big fuss. I finally bought "Back To Black" after getting recommendations from several people who music taste I trust.  Along with that album, I also bought her first studio album "Frank".  I personally thought "Frank" was a much better project that "Back to Black". On "Frank" I saw her potential and things that I guess others saw on "Back To Black". "Frank" is what really made me respect her as an artist. Though the talent was definitely there, it was hard to ignore her bouts with alcohol and drugs; especially when her signature song is titled "Rehab" and part of the hook of the song is her insistence that she's not going ("no, no, no") to go get help.

I didn't personally know Amy Winehouse but I was saddened to hear about her passing. Just absolutely tragic. No one that young should ever die. She didn't come close to experiencing life.  Frankly I am a bit sick of seeing artist continuing to wreck their careers and lives with drugs. It has been happening for decades and it really needs to be addressed (pressures, highs & lows, isolation, etc). The reputation of drugs and alcohol being associated with being cool (ie "drug, sex & rock & roll") needs to be frowned upon as well. But as long as drugs persist in society it will in the entertainment business too. Drugs destroy lives of "every day" people everyday. No matter how many people try to help addicts, nothing will change until they are ready. Addicts make choices to indulge and it's only when they make the serious choice to stop can they begin to recover. Unfortunately for many, like Amy, they never get a chance to make that choice.

El Debarge Relapses; Enters into Drug Rehab

It has been reported that R&B legend El Debarge has had a relapse involving his addiction to drugs and has consequently entered into a drug rehabilitation center. All of the facts are not out about this situation but it has been confirmed that all of his future appearances has been canceled, including a tour that he was embarking on with Kem and Ledisi (which was to start in a couple of days).

This unfortunate event has temporarily halted Debarge's triumphant comeback. After a long absence from the music scene due to a drug addiction, El made a well received return in 2010. He and his camp did a great job of getting his name back out in the public with numerous television appearances, radio interviews, autograph signings and live shows. The centerpiece of his comeback was his new album "Second Chance" and the title track was used as the theme of his reappearance. Debarge did not hold back in interviews, as he candidly spoke of his addiction and what it has done to him and his family. He has been sincere and remorseful about his actions and genuinely seemed to be humbled about his "second chance" at life and his career.  I was fortunate to see him at a promo stop the same day his new album was released. He thanked the crowd at the event for coming to see him and was very emotional as he reflected about the fact that he was unsure if he would ever have another album release. It was a very poignant moment. Little did we all know, at that moment, that El would be back in drug rehab just a little over two months later.

El Debarge has received a lot love during his comeback effort from fans, media and the industry. I have not heard or seen one bad thing said or written about him since he has been back on the scene. Most share the sentiment that they were happy to see him back and hear his awesome falsetto voice again. As I mentioned earlier, he has made frequent television, radio and in-person appearances. The "Second Chance" album garnered him two Grammy nominations as well (he didn't win either). I wonder if maybe it was a case of "too much, too soon". But I will end my speculation there because it really makes no sense for me to try to figure out what happened. The bottom line is unfortunately he has had a misstep and I hope that one day he can permanently defeat this demon. Life is hard, especially the life that famous artist lead. It would be great if in the future we could see not only these addictions stop in our communities, but also in that industry; where the demands and expectations are at times unrealistic, and the lifestyles at times are self destructive. I wish the best for Eldra Debarge; I truly hope he ultimately overcomes his drug problem. And if it is still in the cards for him to make it back to music, I'll be waiting with a bunch of others ready to pick up right where he left his comeback off.