On Wednesday March 4th, 2020, Amy Winehouse and her legacy was celebrated by family, friends and fans as part of Camden’s ‘Music Walk of Fame’. And now, just a few short steps from Camden Town tube station, a new memorial stone bears Amy’s name.
The day was a wonderful reminder of Amy’s sublime talent, her music, and of course the legacy she leaves with the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Speakers at the event included the musician and film-maker Don Letts, founder member of Culture Club, Jon Moss, guitarist from The Specials, Lynval Golding, and grime artist and television star Big Narstie. Each spoke with heart about how synonymous Amy is with the London Borough of Camden, how much she is missed, and how much her music has endured.
And a major part of the day’s celebrations focused on the work of the Amy Winehouse Foundation. Our trustee and former mayor of Camden, Councillor Jonathan Simpson, spoke of his pride at being involved with our charity – and drew particular attention to the work we do with vulnerable young women, and the vital support given by our brilliant team at Amy’s Place.
But perhaps the most memorable quotes of the day came from Amy’s family. Her father Mitch and mother Janis expressed their delight at how many of Amy’s fans had travelled to be part of the event, and at how great it was to know that she means so much to people.
”Now this is a big honour,” Janis told reporters. “It’s for everyone – but Amy, god bless you.”
“This is a wonderful honour to be bestowed on our darling girl”, Mitch added. “It’s another reminder that she’s no longer with us physically, but she’s certainly with us spiritually.”
Both also spoke about the work being done in Amy’s name. “When Amy died, we could have pulled the duvet up and tried to hide away”, said Mitch. “But we didn’t. I know that Amy wanted us to create something positive. And we have with the Amy Winehouse Foundation. It is doing so much good for young people in this country and abroad, and I am certain that Amy would be extremely proud of it”.
After the unveiling, which included a wonderful tribute by pupils from Camden’s Haverstock school, the celebrations moved to a venue in Camden Stables – where two graduates of our Amy’s Yard scheme performed to the assembled crowd. Tasha Dean and Porsha Chanelle both sang beautiful tributes to Amy and her music, receiving rapturous applause. “The Foundation did so much for me”, said Tasha. “I’m very grateful to be here, singing for you”.
“It was a wonderful day, and a wonderful tribute to our much missed Amy”, said Jane Winehouse. “We are extremely proud of the work we do in her memory, and would like to thank everyone who supports us. Without you, we wouldn’t have come this far. And it’s with your help that we’ll go even further, helping so many vulnerable young people to achieve their potential in life”.
