Amy Winehouse and Her Jamaican History

Jamaica has long been known as the playground of many of the world's rich and famous. The parish of Portland, particularly its capital Port Antonio, is legendary for being the escape and hideaway for locals and foreigners alike, having been made popular by Hollywood actor Errol Flynn from as early as the 1950s.

Amy Winehouse spent nearly 3 weeks recording music in Jamaica.

This tradition has continued over the years with a string of the 'known' set being attracted to the lush green parish and quaint town due to it natural beauty and hideaway quality.

With the establishment of the Gee Jam recording studio and boutique hotel by record exec Jon Baker, it was clear that more of the world's musicians would be making their way to Jamaica to holiday and record.


Therefore it was no real surprise when word began to spread that controversial British singer Amy Winehouse was on the rock to getaway and focus on recording material for the follow-up to he successful release, the Grammy Award-winning Back to Black album, which feature the smash hit Rehab.

Geejam head honcho Baker was among those to express sadness at the tragic death of the sultry singer and songwriter, describing her passing as, "A tragic loss of a true friend of Jamaica".

He continued, "there must be countless millions of people, who, like me, are feeling a real sense of loss for such a uniquely talented individual."

Baker could not help but be philosophical in the wake of the news of Winehouse's passing. "The legacy of her relatively short recording career will remain a source of inspiration for other talented recording artists, as well as future generations of fans. She will certainly not be forgotten," Baker told the Sunday Observer.

But, even prior to this nearly three-week stay in Jamaica by Winehouse, her music had already reflected a touch of the sounds of Jamaican.

The final single released from her hit Back to Black album, Just Friends was a easy jazz set to a ska beat. This single was her final release before her death.

The Winehouse/Jamaica connection would rise again and would also have Geejam's Jon Baker as a central figure.

The Port Anotnio-based mento band, The Jolly Boys, who are managed by Baker recorded a mento version of the Winehouse hit for their Geejam produced album, Great Expectations.

This would propel the nearly 60-year-old mento band into a whole other phase of their career, taking in the far-flung music markets of Europe and Asia. The Jolly Boys has just completed a tour of Europe as the opening act for another sultry, British songstress, Sade.