Amy, My Daughter: The No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling memoir from Amy Winehouse’s father, Mitch

A book about Amy Winehouse written by her father must be good, right?

Mitch Winehouse's 'Amy, My Daughter' offers a deeply personal and often heartbreaking account of his daughter, the iconic singer Amy Winehouse. Published after her tragic death, the book serves as both a loving tribute and an attempt to set the record straight amidst the swirling narratives that surrounded her life and struggles. It's a raw, unfiltered look at Amy through the eyes of a father who adored her, battled alongside her, and ultimately grieved her loss.

The book traces Amy's life from her childhood in North London, her early musical inclinations, and her rise to global superstardom, to her highly publicised battles with addiction and mental health. Mitch Winehouse doesn't shy away from the difficult aspects, detailing the family's desperate attempts to help Amy, the frustrations with the music industry, and the relentless media scrutiny that often exacerbated her problems. He paints a picture of a complex individual: fiercely talented, incredibly loyal, but also deeply vulnerable and self-destructive.

One of the book's strengths lies in its intimate portrayal of Amy beyond the tabloid headlines. Readers gain insight into her humour, her generosity, her passion for music, and her deep love for her family and friends. Mitch shares anecdotes that reveal her quirky personality and the profound impact she had on those around her. He also addresses many of the rumours and misconceptions that plagued her public image, offering his perspective on events that were often distorted by the press.

However, the book is not without its critics. Some have argued that it presents a somewhat one-sided view, perhaps downplaying certain aspects of Amy's struggles or the family's involvement. It's important to remember that this is a father's memoir, colored by his love, his pain, and his unique perspective. While it provides valuable insights, it is not an objective biography.

Despite any criticisms, 'Amy, My Daughter' is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the woman behind the voice. It's a poignant and often painful journey, but one that ultimately humanises Amy Winehouse, reminding us of the immense talent and fragile humanity that lay beneath the public persona. It serves as a powerful testament to a father's enduring love and a tragic reminder of the devastating toll of addiction.

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This Week I Have Been Mostly Listening To... JAZZ FM

Growing up, my grandfather was a jazz musician and my Dad always played soul music so it was almost inevitable that I would one day discover Jazz music and Jazz FM. 

It was November of 2024 when seeking some new sounds, I came across the RAYO app which offers a selection of podcasts, playlists, archives and live radio. I clicked randomly on Jazz FM and I don't think I've been the same since!  Having some trepidation to start with, I immediately thought of that classic The Fast Show sketch, and I half expected an old fuzzy static sound of some smokey-voiced DJ playing Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone. The station features some of those artists obviously but what surprised me is the utter abundance of new jazz from the UK and around the world this station delivers in bucket loads.

Since November of 2024, I've discovered The Ezra Collective, Mama Terra, and Lady Blackbird in new sounds, acid jazz, chilled jazz, Gill Scott Heron, and Etta James, plus uber cool DJs Danielle Perry and Simon Phillips, to mention a few. Early mornings or late evenings, you can pretty much tune in at any time to find a plethora of new sounds and if live radio isn't your thing, check out the RAYO app. As they used to say on The Fast Show...Nice!, Great!

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BOOK REVIEW - 'Shuggie Bain' - 2020 Booker Prize That Hurt My Eyes!

words by @rybazoxo 

2020 was a year that none of us will ever forget. After I saw Morrissey in Leeds in March of that year, the world decided to close, and lockdown. We were all then subjected to, and brutalised by, face masks, vaccinations, mass-media hysteria and erm…death. All very grim. What I didn't notice in that year, and I'd be surprised if anybody did, was the 2020 Booker Prize handed to Douglas Stuart for his debut novel, ‘Shuggie Bain’. It wasn’t until late last year that, scouring a charity shop for books, I picked this one up for 50p and thought I'd give it a whirl. 

A disclaimer at this point would be that I normally don't read fiction. I'm autistic, so fiction isn't real, and I normally stay clear, preferring biographies, true crime stories and memoirs. However, I read all the praise about this Scottish 1980s set melodrama / coming-of-age drama/alcohol abuse drama and enthusiastically began reading. At over 400 pages, it's not a short one but I thought it was worth it. I mean, a booker prize has got to be good, right? Well, not quite. The first 150 - 200 pages of this book are really good. You route for young Shuggie as he battles with his alcoholic mother (I’ll get back to that shortly), his problematic siblings, his absent father, his blatant homosexuality, and living with his grandparents - all against a backdrop of council estate poverty and Thatcherite policies. 

1980s Glasgow. Image by Raymond Depardon

Where Douglas paints a perfect picture of a grim Scotland (I've never been but read about it) and has strong characterisation, he lacks any fleshing-out of the coming-of-age of the book's main protagonist. This book should be called ‘Agnes Bain’ (Shuggie’s Mum) as she is the main character in this book. Agnes battles booze throughout the novel, and every alcoholism cliche you can think of, including with the wrong men,  only to meet her maker at the end, is by and large, rather disappointing. I thought this was going to be some sort of ‘good outweighs the bad’ kind of book - it is not. Shuggie’s character comes good at the beginning and middle but that's it. 

1980s Glasgow. Image by Raymond Depardon

The end of the story has no real conclusion and the last chapter (there are 30 altogether) introduces another character’s alcoholic mother which just regurgitates content. It's a shame as this could have been a good book, and I think 200 pages would have done it and still won the prize. But, rather like COVID-19, this book was very grim, went on for far too long, and I was so glad when it ended. 

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Morrissey's Autobiography : After 12 years, Is It Time For A Sequel?

 

When Autobiography was published in 2013 as a Penguin Classics edition—a distinction usually reserved for long-dead literary greats—it sparked immediate debate. Was it an act of self-indulgence or a well-earned nod to Morrissey's undisputable cultural impact? I remember first reading this sat on a Sheffield tram in the cold winter of that year. Twelve years have passed yet this book has never left my bookcase. During the Winter of 2024, while the rest of the world ate turkey and tinsel, I revisited the book to write a review. Another two months have passed, so here it is. My idol is Morrissey, and I also read like an obsessive librarian, so I thought I'd combine the two and try (once again) to write a book blog. Let me know what you think in the comments box!

There's More To Life Than Books You Know!

From the outset, Autobiography reads unlike any standard memoir. Morrissey’s writing style is as florid and grandiose as his lyrics, overflowing with poetic turns of phrase, obscure references, and sharp humour. His sentences stretch for paragraphs, and his storytelling often lacks conventional structure. It makes for a rich, if sometimes exhausting, reading experience. At times, his prose is breathtakingly beautiful; at others, it veers into self-parody (very similar to his solo work, I feel)

Manchester, you have a lot to answer for!

The book begins with an evocative account of his childhood in 1960s and 1970s Manchester, (think 'The Headmasters Ritual) a city he describes as grey, oppressive, and joyless - "the arse of the world" he once sang. His depictions of corporal punishment in Catholic school, and a violent neighbourhood, describe a generally stifling existence. Yet there is a dark romance in his descriptions, often like these lyrics, he finds beauty in the melancholy - a trait he certainly cashed in on in The Smiths and his solo career. As you can expect for someone who wears his cultural icons on his sleeve - Music and film serve as his escape routes, and he writes movingly about the impact of artists like the New York Dolls, and Patti Smith, and his early fascination with legendary playwright (and Morrissey Iconography image N0.1) Oscar Wilde.

The Smiths: I Won't Share You...

Naturally, Autobiography dedicates considerable space to The Smiths, the band that made Morrissey a household name. His descriptions of meeting Johnny Marr and their creative partnership are joyous at times and seem filled with a sense of destiny. In terms of music history, it's a 'When Lennon Met McCartney' moment. But Morrissey seems unable to celebrate The Smiths without simultaneously mourning their dissolution and cataloguing how he feels wronged. The legal battle over royalties, which saw drummer Mike Joyce successfully sue Morrissey and Marr, is recounted in excruciating detail. While his bitterness is understandable, his obsessive resentment towards Joyce and the legal system feels excessive, dragging down an otherwise exhilarating chapter of the book - 'I bear more grudges than lonely high-court judges' he once sang.

Morrissey Solo Career...

Morrissey’s solo career, which he sometimes frames as a battle for survival, is covered in a more fragmented way. He highlights the successes, like Viva Hate and You Are the Quarry, but also dwells on his struggles with the music industry, dismissive critics, and perceived betrayals. His clashes with record labels, the press, and former associates reinforce his image as a misunderstood, embattled figure. The insight into his songwriting process is rather inspiring.

It's Not Like Any Other Love...

One of the more surprising elements of this book is Morrissey’s candid discussion of his relationships, an aspect of his life he long kept private. He details significant romantic connections, particularly his relationship with photographer Jake Walters. This revelation complicates his long-maintained aura of celibacy and ambiguity, making it one of the book’s most intriguing aspects.

Autobiography is a book that, like its author, refuses to conform. It is brilliant in places, insufferable in others, but always compelling. Morrissey’s storytelling is evocative and often hilarious. For fans, the book is essential reading, offering deep insight into his psyche and creative world. Love him (like I do) or loathe him (like everybody else does) Autobiography ensures that his legacy—flawed, fascinating, and fiercely individual—will endure.

Twelve years after its publication Morrissey's solo career is still going strong. He's also just announced another USA tour.  I would love to see an update to his Autobiography, as Morrissey's career has been just as dramatic these past twelve years.,

My next Morrissey book to re-review is List Of The Lost

Words by @rybazoxo

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com