Amy Winehouse is Finally at Peace

Author Eric Segalstad wrote a book called "The 27s: The Greatest Myth of Rock and Roll." In it, Segalstad chronicles the lives of 34 notable musicians who met their ultimate fate at age 27. The list includes Jimi Hendrix, Janice Joplin, Jim Morrison and Brian Jones.

Yesterday Amy Jade Winehouse, winner of five  Grammy Awards for her 2006 album "Back to Black," was found dead in her North London flat. She, too, was 27.

Authorities say the cause of her of death is not yet known. But judging from her past, alcohol and drugs probably played a major contribution.

Winehouse was just beginning a comeback tour, but was booed offstage during a rambling, drunken performance in Serbia, ending the rest of the tour before it really began. This is somewhat reflective of her short life, cut short before she could show the world a voice untainted by the demons that have haunted her throughout her career.

She had recently completed a stint of alcohol rehab in London and was under strict instructions not to drink, according to media reports.

Winehouse, like the rest of us, was human. Her family said the death of her grandmother in 2006 precipitated her addictions. Her battles with weight, eating disorders and mood swings are well documented. Whatever the reasons for her downward spiral, she shows us that, like all of us, she is human, with the same frailties. If not for her widespread fame, her death would have gone unnoticed.

When I saw a Facebook post from a former colleague and friend with a link announcing her death, I was filled with deep sadness. I wasn't a huge fan by any means, but her vocal talent was undisputed. She sang with emotion -- You felt her songs, more than just listened. I also knew about her struggles with alcohol and drugs. Videos of her pathetic  alcohol-fueled performances are all over the Internet. She would forget the city in which she was playing, and would often forget her lyrics and even her band mates' names. Crowds would jeer her performances.

Still, I had hoped she would someday show the world she could overcome her problems and deliver us from her evils.

Twenty-seven year old's aren't supposed to die. We will soon know what caused her to leave this planet at such a young age. But I think had she followed the path of Robert Downey Jr., who took a two-year hiatus from acting to focus on kicking his cocaine addiction, she would still be with us.

Rest in peace, finally.