Controversial as she may have been, the world mourns Amy Winehouse who passed away at the ominous age of 27.

Although plagued by addiction and the pressures of overexposure, Amy Winehouse will be remembered for her mastering of many eclectic musical styles and a powerful contralto voice. She passed away on the 23rd of July at her London apartment and the investigation into her death is ongoing currently classified “unexplained.” She joins other musical greats who passed away at the grim age of 27; the likes of Jim Morrison, Kurt Corbain, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

Friends, the likes of Russell Brand, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Kelly Osbourne, and Pete Wentz, have reached out to express their sadness at the news of her passing, Brand writing a beautiful ode to her on his website (it can be found here). After her initial explosion of success, including Grammy wins and platinum albums, Amy Winehouse found herself skewered by the media on any and all public displays of an ill-nature. In the end she became that tragic figure the papers made her out to be, but in time her legacy will be remembered for her soul-lifting Jazz greats and amazing stage presence. The 27 Club, as morose as it is to say, has good company in Amy Winehouse.

“The sincere hope is that the call will be from the addict themselves, telling you they’ve had enough, that they’re ready to stop, ready to try something new. Of course though, you fear the other call, the sad nocturnal chime from a friend or relative telling you it’s too late, she’s gone.“

- Russel Brand.