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Amy Winehouse: Beyond Black
Curated by her close friend and stylist, Naomi Parry, Amy Beyond Black is an affectionate and evocative visual celebration of the life and career of the music star, including photographs, memorabilia, and the recollections of those whose lives she touched.
Amy Winehouse left an indelible mark on both the music industry and pop culture with her soulful voice and bold ’60s-inspired aesthetic. Featuring stories and anecdotes from a wide range of characters connected to Amy, specially commissioned photography of memorabilia, styled and dressed themed sets incorporating Amy’s clothing, possessions, and lyrics, and previously unseen archival images, this volume presents an intimate portrait that celebrates Amy’s creative legacy.
Interspersed throughout are personal reflections on Amy’s life and work, provided by her friends, colleagues, and fans. These include Ronnie Spector, Vivienne Westwood, Bryan Adams, Little Simz, and Carl Barât, as well as Doug Hawley Landlord of the Hawley Arms, tattooist Henry Hate, goddaughter Dionne Bromfield, and DJ Bioux. Each one has a personal story to share, and together their anecdotes and reflections build into a complex picture of a much admired but troubled star. Vice Culture Editor Emma Garland puts these insights into context with an introduction that highlights the principal events and achievements in Amy’s life and work, and the key characters that played a part in it.
Organized broadly chronologically, the book features lyric sheets, sketches, and ephemera, together with contextual photographs and video stills, including album, single, and promotional artworks and outtakes. Punctuating the story are photographs of dressed room sets each created, designed, and styled especially for the book by Naomi Parry to evoke a period or aspect of Amy’s life or personality, incorporating Amy’s clothing, possessions, lyrics, and other memorabilia.
Amy Winehouse left an indelible mark on both the music industry and pop culture with her soulful voice and bold ’60s-inspired aesthetic. Featuring stories and anecdotes from a wide range of characters connected to Amy, specially commissioned photography of memorabilia, styled and dressed themed sets incorporating Amy’s clothing, possessions, and lyrics, and previously unseen archival images, this volume presents an intimate portrait that celebrates Amy’s creative legacy.
Interspersed throughout are personal reflections on Amy’s life and work, provided by her friends, colleagues, and fans. These include Ronnie Spector, Vivienne Westwood, Bryan Adams, Little Simz, and Carl Barât, as well as Doug Hawley Landlord of the Hawley Arms, tattooist Henry Hate, goddaughter Dionne Bromfield, and DJ Bioux. Each one has a personal story to share, and together their anecdotes and reflections build into a complex picture of a much admired but troubled star. Vice Culture Editor Emma Garland puts these insights into context with an introduction that highlights the principal events and achievements in Amy’s life and work, and the key characters that played a part in it.
Organized broadly chronologically, the book features lyric sheets, sketches, and ephemera, together with contextual photographs and video stills, including album, single, and promotional artworks and outtakes. Punctuating the story are photographs of dressed room sets each created, designed, and styled especially for the book by Naomi Parry to evoke a period or aspect of Amy’s life or personality, incorporating Amy’s clothing, possessions, lyrics, and other memorabilia.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 16, 2021
25 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 15, 2021
Amy Winehouse: Beyond Black is a beautifully written book that captures the soul of this one-of-a-kind singer through the people that knew and loved her best. It’s also important to note that this book focuses more on who Amy was instead of what she did or the issues that plagued her. I’m forever going to be saddened by the fact that there’s no more Amy, but it’s even more depressing to think of what she went through and how few could probably understand.
Amy Winehouse is forever a queen and will always be one of my favorite artists. Her outlook and honesty about who she was and how she felt were and continue to be inspiring.
Amy Winehouse is forever a queen and will always be one of my favorite artists. Her outlook and honesty about who she was and how she felt were and continue to be inspiring.
May 24, 2023
يمكن مقرأتش كل الكلام ف الكتاب .. هو من الحجم الكبير . وف صور تحفة ل أيمي ولبسها ومكياجها وألبوماتها والمزيكا عامة
مقولات ليها وفنانين تانين عنها زي ليدي جاجا وأديل
الكتاب من تأليف ال stylist وصاحبة أيمي
الكتاب جميل ويعتبر biography أو memoir حلو ليها
مقولات ليها وفنانين تانين عنها زي ليدي جاجا وأديل
الكتاب من تأليف ال stylist وصاحبة أيمي
الكتاب جميل ويعتبر biography أو memoir حلو ليها
September 29, 2021
Amazing. I love you Amy ❤️
July 30, 2025
wonderful memoir
December 13, 2021
Lovingly crafted by those closest with her, this collection was a very personal recount of Amy’s career from pre-Frank to her tragic death. It isn’t often you fed the sorrow of authors/contributors seeping out of every page, but this book is full of it while at the same time expressing a deep love and respect for Amy personally and professionally. The photographs included are striking and further add to how wonderful and celebratory the contributors feel towards Amy’s talent and personality.
November 4, 2021
A very sad and human book. However, Beyond Black is a beautiful archive of those closest to Amy throughout her short life and serves as a homage, but also a reminder of those she left behind and that there is always life after loss.
January 3, 2022
Wow! Where do I even start! What an amazingly written account of a beautiful treasured soul from all the people that really knew her as a person and not as a troubled pop star we heard from the press! We lost Amy way too soon! This is the best biography I have ever read and highly recommend it! I love you Amy!
August 30, 2023
So touching to hear accounts from her friends and family. You can tell she was a real light in their lives, and extremely loved. Also amazing to see so many of her personal items and outfits photographed for this book.
March 27, 2025
How do I give more than 5 stars?!
Brb, crying
Brb, crying
January 4, 2023
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Amy Winehouse and I've read all the biography books written about her. I liked this memorabilia. It's a beautiful book but most of the pictures & quotes can be found on the internet and they've been pre-existing there since Amy's breakthrough on the media. Also in some parts it's kinda generic and it doesn't feel personal. I wish Naomi touched more on Amy's style rather than add pictures or small paragraphs that don't really share anything new. Especially considering they were friends for years. For example she could share more tour stories or the process behind dressing Amy in great detail. I expected more. Amy had such a great personality and she read so many books, listened to so many records, browsed through so many Vogue magazines. She loved fashion and she was inspired by so many things in her life. She was and is such an interesting person. Her influences are shared in this book, but in pictures. Some sets were beautiful but they didn't give much info, only vision. I think they should have been discussed more because they made her who she was. Amy is a very important person in today's fashion & music world. She influenced fashion designers and artists to become different and embrace pin up fashion.
In my opinion we already know everything about her life and what she accomplished in the MUSIC world. 3 books have already been written about her process. But no one really touched on her choices in fashion or why she was who she was. Her style gave away so much of who Amy truly was and her personality. The reason why I expected something different from this book was because Naomi was her stylist and she was the person behind the scenes. If not her then who would've been capable of writing such an art book, if not her? It was the perfect opportunity. But ultimately I felt like the Design Museum exhibition shared more about Amy the person than Amy the artist in comparison to this book. Also her friends didn't share enough in my opinion. I don't really want to read a quote from Salaam Remi which was passed through an interview on YouTube. I want something new. A great example was Catriona's story. It was beautiful and the highlight of the book because it truly gave a glimpse of Amy's personality. Also it was a nice shared memory. Especially since Catriona rarely talks about Amy on media or anywhere at all really.
In conclusion, if you're a hardcore Amy fan you already know or you have seen half of these things shared here in this book. Unfortunately they recycled quotes, interviews and pictures which I'm not a fan of considering I paid for this book. But hell, it's not even about the price but the fact that this art book didn't fullfill the thirst I had to know more about Amy's style.
Tldr: Great art book but most of the material can be found already on the internet. There are some beautiful shared stories here from friends but they didn't share much. Also her fashion sense wasn't touched that much. It was more vision than discussion which is a bummer because I expected more from Naomi Parry.
With all due respect and I have all the love in the world for Naomi and her friends. I love them and I love Amy.
In my opinion we already know everything about her life and what she accomplished in the MUSIC world. 3 books have already been written about her process. But no one really touched on her choices in fashion or why she was who she was. Her style gave away so much of who Amy truly was and her personality. The reason why I expected something different from this book was because Naomi was her stylist and she was the person behind the scenes. If not her then who would've been capable of writing such an art book, if not her? It was the perfect opportunity. But ultimately I felt like the Design Museum exhibition shared more about Amy the person than Amy the artist in comparison to this book. Also her friends didn't share enough in my opinion. I don't really want to read a quote from Salaam Remi which was passed through an interview on YouTube. I want something new. A great example was Catriona's story. It was beautiful and the highlight of the book because it truly gave a glimpse of Amy's personality. Also it was a nice shared memory. Especially since Catriona rarely talks about Amy on media or anywhere at all really.
In conclusion, if you're a hardcore Amy fan you already know or you have seen half of these things shared here in this book. Unfortunately they recycled quotes, interviews and pictures which I'm not a fan of considering I paid for this book. But hell, it's not even about the price but the fact that this art book didn't fullfill the thirst I had to know more about Amy's style.
Tldr: Great art book but most of the material can be found already on the internet. There are some beautiful shared stories here from friends but they didn't share much. Also her fashion sense wasn't touched that much. It was more vision than discussion which is a bummer because I expected more from Naomi Parry.
With all due respect and I have all the love in the world for Naomi and her friends. I love them and I love Amy.
December 15, 2021
Did I buy this book impulsively when I just dared to walk around @barnesandnoble to kill some time today? Yes. 🤑
Did I sit on the couch snuggled up with a blanket and listen to Frank while reading this whole beautiful coffee table book in one reading session this afternoon/evening? YES I DID AND I HAVE NO REGRETS. 🥺
Book 70 of 2021 was unexpectedly Amy Winehouse Beyond Black by Naomi Parry (and others) 🖤
Like many, I have adored Amy Winehouse for years. Back to Black is consistently in my album rotation in Spotify. I love her style, her voice, her filthy language, and lyrical genius. I have actually been on the hunt for an Amy biography coffee table book and it was literally the first thing I saw when I walked in to B&N today.
This book and Amy makes me happy but also terribly sad. I cried reading some of the sections by her closest friends, but this collection is a beautiful insight into who Amy was. It was a refreshing breath of air, as Amy is often remembered for the tragedy and chaos that surrounded her and then her death. But she was so much more than that. We miss you, sweet Amy. 💔
Did I sit on the couch snuggled up with a blanket and listen to Frank while reading this whole beautiful coffee table book in one reading session this afternoon/evening? YES I DID AND I HAVE NO REGRETS. 🥺
Book 70 of 2021 was unexpectedly Amy Winehouse Beyond Black by Naomi Parry (and others) 🖤
Like many, I have adored Amy Winehouse for years. Back to Black is consistently in my album rotation in Spotify. I love her style, her voice, her filthy language, and lyrical genius. I have actually been on the hunt for an Amy biography coffee table book and it was literally the first thing I saw when I walked in to B&N today.
This book and Amy makes me happy but also terribly sad. I cried reading some of the sections by her closest friends, but this collection is a beautiful insight into who Amy was. It was a refreshing breath of air, as Amy is often remembered for the tragedy and chaos that surrounded her and then her death. But she was so much more than that. We miss you, sweet Amy. 💔
September 11, 2023
This tribute to Amy Winehouse by publicist and friend Naomi Parry creates a portrait of her life. The text tells the story of her musical development which is added to by reflections by friends, colleagues and fans. The photos tell the life and style.
The book is visually beautiful. It is arranged chronologically with photos of Amy and her personal items. You see Amy performing, posing and putting on make up. There are reproductions of her hand written drafts of lyrics and many of her clothes. All photos are in color. The paper is high quality making the book heavy to hold.
In these 280+ pages of photos, Amy is mostly alone. Photos of family include one of her father in a collage and two with her husband. There is a photo with the author and one with Tony Bennett. There are only 2 or 3 other photos with someone who is named. Others in the photos are anonymous fans, band members and people in the background. While there are tributes from celebrities and colleagues, Amy is clearly a loner.
Her wardrobe was extensive and and the photos show that she had an eye for jewelry and other accessories. She rarely appeared in something twice. Besides the wonderful clothes she wore, Parry takes you into her closet for more. There are also sketches of clothes, presumably custom designed for Amy. There are photos of her shoes and underwear.
There is a photo of Amy’s 5 Grammy Awards. Her sense of style is shown in still pictures where her instruments and the mementos of her life are lovingly arranged.
This unusual book, suits its highly individual subject making it a fitting tribute to Amy Winehouse. Fans will undoubtedly cherish it.
The book is visually beautiful. It is arranged chronologically with photos of Amy and her personal items. You see Amy performing, posing and putting on make up. There are reproductions of her hand written drafts of lyrics and many of her clothes. All photos are in color. The paper is high quality making the book heavy to hold.
In these 280+ pages of photos, Amy is mostly alone. Photos of family include one of her father in a collage and two with her husband. There is a photo with the author and one with Tony Bennett. There are only 2 or 3 other photos with someone who is named. Others in the photos are anonymous fans, band members and people in the background. While there are tributes from celebrities and colleagues, Amy is clearly a loner.
Her wardrobe was extensive and and the photos show that she had an eye for jewelry and other accessories. She rarely appeared in something twice. Besides the wonderful clothes she wore, Parry takes you into her closet for more. There are also sketches of clothes, presumably custom designed for Amy. There are photos of her shoes and underwear.
There is a photo of Amy’s 5 Grammy Awards. Her sense of style is shown in still pictures where her instruments and the mementos of her life are lovingly arranged.
This unusual book, suits its highly individual subject making it a fitting tribute to Amy Winehouse. Fans will undoubtedly cherish it.
January 29, 2022
I don't think any book could be more perfect than this. The over-sized heaviness of the book itself and the badass cat eye beaming out at you set the tone that this will be a visceral ride through Amy's short life. The stories and remembrances from her friends and colleagues, the intimate pictures of Amy's quirkily exquisite outfits and tchotchkes, and the posed as well as spontaneous photos of Amy performing and living made the ride feel real to me, like I was right there with her through the highs and lows of love and loss and addiction, through the insidious and relentless paparazzi frenzy that kept her in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. I was fascinated by Amy Winehouse long before her death, not so much for her music but for her rock solid originality and what-you-see-is-what-you-get chutzpah. I didn't think it possible, but I even dig her more now.
January 11, 2024
Absolutely incredible. I think the close connection that Naomi had (and all the quotes from individuals she knew and loved) really brought her to life
I was moved to tears at the end; she had so much pain and so much pressure from media/paparrazis. It transports me back to another time - I’m hopefully that fame is better to people now, or at least celebrities are more vocal of their mental health needs and boundaries
Truly amazing. Beautiful photos of her, her tours, her Camden spots, her would have been 2011 tour outfits, and more. I am so thankful for this Christmas present
I was moved to tears at the end; she had so much pain and so much pressure from media/paparrazis. It transports me back to another time - I’m hopefully that fame is better to people now, or at least celebrities are more vocal of their mental health needs and boundaries
Truly amazing. Beautiful photos of her, her tours, her Camden spots, her would have been 2011 tour outfits, and more. I am so thankful for this Christmas present
March 21, 2022
Don't know a lot about Amy Winehouse, but the cover of this book in a New Nonfiction display really called to me! I thought it was a very heartfelt tribute to Winehouse by some of the people who knew her best. The photography was stunning, and I enjoyed the chance to see some of Winehouse's clothes - she truly had an iconic sense of style!
April 19, 2022
This was a great compilation of glimpses into Amy’s life and the people who surrounded her, and a retrospective of her career. I greatly enjoyed the perspectives of different people and the photography included. There were more than a couple spelling errors in my copy which might have been an editing issue, not horribly but enough that I noticed it a couple times.
December 20, 2024
This was my favorite book out of the ones I've read so far. I liked the personal stories about Amy from various people in her life. I also enjoyed the photos of her that were chosen for this book, along with some of her personal things and her dresses. She was truly a unique, beautiful individual that I wish we could've seen and heard more from.
Book: borrowed from NB Branch.
Book: borrowed from NB Branch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
This masterpiece is showcasing Amy Winehouse unique style and hauntingly beautiful music through stunning visuals and intimate insights. The book captures the raw essence of her life and talent, making it a must-read for fans and a poignant tribute to an extraordinary artist. A compelling exploration of creativity and struggle, it resonates long after the last page is turned.
September 23, 2023
This book is so sad and happy at the same time, there are no words to describe it. Great homage to Amy Winehouse. It shows the great artist we knew, and most of all how great of a person she was. MUST READ and KEEP!
May 20, 2024
This book gives those who knew or worked with Amy Winehouse a chance to pay their own tribute to her and to share some of their own memories. A fitting tribute curated by her stylist and friend Naomi Parry.
June 20, 2024
What a special and thoughtful collection of stories and photographs. Amy’s generous heart lives on through the stories people have of her 🩷 wish you were here Amy, I love you with my whole heart! You deserved more from the world.
December 27, 2024
Very good. I enjoyed the photos. I already know all the things included. I got like 5% of new things. But the detail-oriented photos combined with the perfect print=it all made me feel like I'm there in person.
<3 AMY forever!
<3 AMY forever!
January 6, 2025
Hard not have a permanent lump in the throat reading the entire thing. But not for the tragedy as such, not for what media and culture has primarily focused on, but for such a tangible feeling of friendship, kindness and life.
January 3, 2022
A kind and heartfelt remembrance album.
January 17, 2022
amy i love you
January 21, 2022
i just love and adore amy 🥲 she’s my idol and her style is fucking amazing!
April 17, 2022
Lots of photos of AW, alongside insightful writing about her lyrics, gigs and history.
May 25, 2022
i haven’t read this all the way through but all the photos inside are lovely and it’s a beautiful book to have, worth the money if you love amy:)
January 7, 2023
It was amazing to learn the other side of Amy, what a honor it is to love her music.
January 25, 2023
Insightful and beautiful. The photos are incredible and the essays varied, painting a cohesive picture of her life and highlighting her legacy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews