Verified answer

I don't think there's much known yet about whether Amy's end was accidental or self-willed.

But I recently read a biography of Janis written by her sister, and it's an interesting story. Apparently Janis was quite different from her legend. Much more "square" and old fashioned than most of her fans realized. She was embarrassed by the popular perception that she was a wild and loose woman. Her secret ambition was to quit show business and meet Mister Right and settle down as a wife and mom.

She did have a heroin habit, but it was quite moderate. She only used it at the end of a hard day so she could relax and get some sleep. She bought her drugs from a reputable dealer who employed a full time chemist to test everything he sold to his celebrity clientele. But on one occasion the chemist was on vacation and the heroin that was sold to Janis was stronger than what she was used to. When she took it she keeled over and hit her head very hard on the corner of a heavy piece of furniture. It was the trauma of that injury that killed her. Not the drug.

Janice Joplin actually came to my mind after I read the news yesterday.

I am still a fan of Janice Joplin -

I have never heard Winehouse sing, just knew about her peripherally.

Act of self destruction in both cases, and at the same age.

The same age. I must admit that I have never heard a song by Winehouse but my son says she had some song about not going to rehab.

I think Janice sister wrote that, to put her in a better light. I saw her on Dick Cavett, and all she talked about was partying and drinking, didn't act like someone who didn't drink, or party, and wanted to settle down, almost every pic of her, shows a bottle of jim beam, and she died of a drug overdose from heroin.

Yes, and Curt Cobain is in the 27 Club also.

That certainly is a bad number for rock stars.

They were both very soulful singers.

Edit: Do we know for sure how Winehouse died? I read that the autopsy won't be until at least Monday.

They both died of drug over doses at age 27. It is called the 27 club and it is also including Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and other rock stars.

Neither had what we call "beautiful" voices, yet they could draw you in because they both sang from the heart. Kind of earthy and raw. "Mainstream" didn't matter...they each did their own thing and sang the kind of music they loved best.

I find it almost eerie that they were both only 27. No matter how they died, that's much too young.

Dear Janis crossed my mind when I read of Amy's demise.

Rest in peace, sweet souls....

Janis was a hard drinker, too. Both were extremely talented. It's a sad situation. Janis immediately popped into my head when I read the news. Both had that bluesy edge to their voices.