Dear Amy Winehouse:

Hello Darling,

A few months back my friend D’Fabulous gave me a CD of yours to listen to. I was awestruck. Up until that day, the last female vocalist to perk up my ears had been Diana Krall, years and years before. I was excited that there was a new voice on the scene, with so much power, emotion, depth and raw sensuality.

Then I saw a photo of you. Again, I was so pleased. You didn’t appear to be a “Blonde Hollywood Barbie.” You are normally beautiful. Very, very beautiful.

As the months progressed I read a little of you here and there. How Karl Lagerfeld was using your “look” to purport his own (evil?) empire. How you had garnered a few awards in Britain…and even Grammy nominations..quite a few of them! Alas, along with this information, the press just had to include “the rest of the personal story,” didn’t they.

Initially I thought it might be hype to go along with your song “rehab”, but it became clear that this may well not be the case.

Amy, darling, I’ve been around the block a coupla times, so I’ve seen too many people pass, way before their time. Great, wonderfully talented people, gone much too soon. This year we’ve had, oh 50 or so, go the way of the clouds….I’ve been holding my breath that one of them won’t be you! Don’t do it! Don’t let the nonsense get in the way! People like us need people like you, to listen to, to find that moment in our day where something feels like it connects. When we put in that CD or hear your voice on the radio, it’s like a call from a long lost lover. Be careful, ok!

Love,

Charlotte