The Influence of The Shangri-Las on Amy Winehouse’s Career

Amy Winehouse, the celebrated singer, was described by Nick Gatfield as an old soul in a young body.

Gatfield, who signed her first record deal, highlighted her obsession with vintage style and sound, often drawing inspiration from the 1950s and ’60s. One of her biggest influences was the energy of girl bands like The Shangri-Las.

Winehouse’s passion for past eras was deeply connected to her love for her family. Growing up in a close-knit family, music was central to their bond.

Her grandmother, who had been part of London’s music scene and knew Ronnie Scott, played a significant role in shaping Winehouse’s musical education.

The family home was always filled with music, with Winehouse, her father, and her grandmother singing classic songs together.

By 2000, Winehouse joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra as their first female vocalist, performing songs by legends like Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan.

Discovering The Shangri-Las was a pivotal moment for Winehouse. The 1960s girl group’s dramatic storytelling and dynamic sound resonated with her deeply.

Producer Mark Ronson noticed this influence when he met her. Winehouse shared that she loved listening to The Shangri-Las while out with her boyfriend.

This inspiration was so significant that she often paid tribute to them during her live performances. After releasing ‘Back To Black’, she would replace parts of her songs with choruses from The Shangri-Las’ tracks.

Their influence is evident throughout her album, from the piano of the ‘Back To Black’ intro to the dramatic ballads like ‘Wake Up Alone’. The Shangri-Las’ impact on Winehouse’s music is undeniable.