Amy Winehouse. Blake Wood

by Nancy Jo Sales, Blake Wood (Photographer)

When 22-year-old American photographer Blake Wood moved to London in 2007, a mutual friend introduced him to Amy Winehouse. After winning five Grammy Awards for her 2006 album Back to Black, the celebrated singer with the sultry and emotionally raw voice was at the height of her celebrity, but struggling with her wayward partner and the scrutiny of constant media attention. Bonding personally and creatively, Wood and Winehouse developed a close friendship and would become inseparable for the next two years. From images of Winehouse performing in Paris to playing drums at her home studio in Camden Town, London, from lovingly composed portraits of her at ease on St. Lucia to carefree vamping for the camera, this is an intimate visual diary of the soul diva at a time when she was one of the most celebrated voices on earth. The story of this profound emotional collaboration is told through the lens of her confidant in 85 color and black-and-white photographs, most of them never published before, that reveal their mutual love, trust, and respect. With text by acclaimed pop culture critic Nancy Jo Sales, discover a rare and lighter side of this much-missed icon, totally at ease in front of her friend’s camera; a typical young London girl enjoying life to the fullest.

Genres: Nonfiction, Coffee Table Books

171 pages, Hardcover

Published July 17, 2018

About the author

Nancy Jo Sales is the New York Times bestselling author of American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers and The Bling Ring: How a Gang of Fame-Obsessed Teens Ripped Off Hollywood and Shocked the World. She is also the director, producer, and writer of the documentary film Swiped: Hooking Up in the Digital Age. Her writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, The Guardian, and many other publications. Known for her stories on teenagers, social media, and fame culture, she is the recipient of a 2010 Mirror Award, a 2011 Front Page Award, and a 2015 Silurian Award. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Stefania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es precioso. Mejor de lo que esperaba en todos los sentidos: calidad y contenido. Amy es muy importante para mi y he cogido mucho cariño a este libro. Si mis estanterías ardieran hoy mismo y tuviera que salvar solo unos pocos libros este sería uno de ellos; lo digo con todo el corazón…me he emocionado mucho.

[Evelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intimate portrayal by someone who obviously knew her well. For fans and no fans alike 💖

[Elisa-Johanna Liiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saint Lucia photos were absolutely superb.

[angelinakahlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful portrayal of somebody who was presented by the media as "tortured" and "broken".
Wood's pictures seem to capture the light-heartedness and positive aura of Amy Winehouse perfectly!

[Karah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Majority of these photographs are in color. A cluster of pictures have been developed in black and white. Exuberance, freshness, even a touch of wholesomeness can be divulged from the St.Lucia portion. Much of it has been written in English yet there contains German and French sections. I implore readers to continue perusing since the photos don't stop. Blake doesn't leave us wanting on images from London. My copy arrived today from Amazon and I finished it in under an hour. Delightful time!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in my Amy Winehouse interest journey. The documentary "Amy" really launched my interest in her and her life. These photos were nice to see, they portray Amy in a healthy looking way, enjoying herself and life. I also appreciated hearing Blake Wood's perspective on her and their relationship. I'm glad they both found a deep friendship with each other - those are special and don't happen often.

Book: borrowed from NB Branch.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Amy and her music when I was a preteen. Her music is lush and evocative, and these heartfelt images of her speak of both of intimate friendship and trust, while doing her legacy as an influential powerhouse musician - and most importantly, a human being - justice. In short, this is Amy as we remember her at her best.

[Sanne Nadieh]

Interesting to see a warm memory of Amy, that only focussed on the dreamy perspective of someone who knew her, instead of the drugs and sadness. Not sure what I think of it, but it sure was interesting.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤