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much acclaim with Frank, her 2003 debut album. Frank is an accomplished work, showcasing Amy's voice on tracks such as I Heard Love Is Blind and Stronger Than Me. Frank was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music award, as indeed was Back To Black, and it is worth a listen. It stands up remarkably well against its more popular successor, even if Amy was still finding her feet.

Born on the 14th September 1983, to Mitchell and Janis Winehouse, Amy has never been a stranger to controversy. She was kicked out of stage school as a teenager, and has openly admitted to experimenting with drugs. After overdosing in August 2007, Amy went in and out of rehab, with her husband in tow, at the Causeway in Essex. Just a few days after walking out of the Causeway of their own accord, Amy and Blake reportedly came to blows over her drug-taking, and pictures of them both looking bruised and bloody were splashed all over the papers. Amy fiercely defends Blake over any accusations of wrong-doing, and told Perez Hilton:

"He did not and never has hurt me. He has such a hard time and he's so supportive. He is an amazing man who saved my life again and got cut badly for his troubles. All he gets is horrible stories printed about him and he just keeps quiet, but this is too much. I'll be alright. I need to fight my man's corner for him though."

The talented but troubled Ms Winehouse's personal life has taken further twists and turns recently as over the festive period she herself was arrested, and then released on bail. Shortly afterwards she was reported to be holidaying with an ex in the Caribbean, while her husband languished in jail, sparking rumours of a possible divorce. She has, however, been present at all of her husband's court appearances, and has shouted messages of love - behaviour which could be construed as supportive, did it not come across as so inappropriate and unhinged.

Blake Civil-Fielder was reputedly the inspiration behind the epic Back To Black, but as far as the future for Amy is concerned it looks like there is only one man who can save her now. That man is Mark Ronson, the hot shot producer who collaborated with Amy on the re-working of The Zuton's song Valerie. Once more, Amy has taken hold of a song and made it her own. Ronson's version of Valerie, featuring Amy, has been nominated for best single at The Brit awards, and it stands an excellent chance of winning. Infectious and upbeat, Valerie just might be the way back to credibility for the winsome, walking wounded Ms Winehouse.

The Brit awards will take place on February 20th.

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