The Roots Of Amy Winehouse

4:56 PM GMT 22/11/2007

Channelling everyone from Billie Holiday to The Shangri-Las, and effortlessly covering the likes of The Specials and The Zutons, Amy Winehouse's ability to draw on both the classic and the contemporary has seen her emerge as one of the defining voices of her generation. To coincide with the cover story in this month's issue of MOJO magazine, we're proud present, for your unbridled viewing pleasure, a carefully compiled video playlist that showcase six key sources of inspiration...

Billie Holiday - My Man - 1957

Totally tragic late-period Billie, left with nothing but her love; for a no-good two-timing scummy man. Hmm...

Nina Simone - What You Gonna Do? - 1967

Whether out front or behind the piano, late 60s Nina mixes defiance and pain, 'daring' urban threads and just a whiff of violence..

The Specials - Hey Little Rich Girl - 1980

Bad VHS quality but check out Terry Hall, looking simultaneously lost, awkward, cool and in control. V. Amy.

The Zutons - Valerie - 2006

It was the song of 2006 but just what did Amy see in these old soul arrangements, ragged vocals and lyrics of loneliness and longing.

The Shangri-Las - Right Now And Not Later - 1965

They had the hair, the toughness, the sadness. But why did Amy stop at the fitted black-vinyl dungarees?

Sam Cooke - For Sentimental Reasons & You Send Me - 1960

The perfect voice that came so effortlessly, the twist of sadness and the tragic private life....

Andrew Male

Posted by Ross_Bennett at 4:56 PM GMT 22/11/2007

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