Given the crack-smoking press of late, I was more interested in whether Amy Winehouse would MAKE it to the Grammys then whether she would win for her richly deserved album - Back to Black. I was already aggravated by the US Embassy denying the beehived songstress a visa to attend the 50th Annual Grammy awards. (If you're feeling plucky, ask me about my thoughts on the US tendency to deny passports or threatened deportation to innocent non terrorists). Then Kanye West's self puffery goaded me even further. I will say his Blue Man Group inspired performance of "Stronger" was fun. And the anticipated tribute to his angelic mother was touching. Mr. West's self aggrandizement wears thin in the company of Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Ringo Starr. Vince Gill adminstered the most appropriate bitch slap to Kanye's pouty face when accepting his Grammy from Ringo. "I just got a Grammy from a Beatle. Can you say that Kanye?"
But annoying little rappers were worth it in the end. Around 10:30 pm EST (4:30 am in London) Amy Winehouse performed both I'm No Good and Rehab. Looking a bit demure in front of a tiny club she cranked out that amazing voice that doesn't apologize for being an imperfect woman in love, in trouble and unabashedly talented. Shortly after she received the Grammy for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
I never got a chance to see Dinah Washington, Chet Baker or Billie Holiday sing live. Like Winehouse they were gifted vocalists/musicans who shared their talents and addictions with the public. Winehouse is poised to address both. Will she dive the swampy depths of overwhelmed emotions into a dreamy deadly haze or share her gift with clarity and self compassion?
The world waits.
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