(Reuters) - Amy Winehouse, one of the most talented singers of her generation whose hit song "Rehab" summed up her personal struggles with addiction, died in London on Saturday at the age of 27.
The multiple Grammy winner, famed for her black beehive hair, soulful voice and erratic behavior both on and off stage, was found dead at her home in Camden, north London. Police were called to the address at around 1500 GMT (11 a.m. British time).
Sky News quoted police sources as saying they suspected the death was caused by a drugs overdose.
"We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer," her record label Universal said in a statement. "Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."
Friends and family had long warned that Winehouse's lifestyle, which saw her in and out of rehab and affected her career as a live and recording artist, could be her downfall.
Winehouse's last filmed performance was last month in Serbia, when she was jeered by the crowd, struggled to perform her songs and keep her balance as her band gamely played on. The performance, which was posted on the YouTube video sharing site, prompted her management to cancel all her scheduled performances and give the performer as long as it took to recover.
Police cordoned off the leafy street outside Winehouse's home in Camden, where dozens of onlookers had gathered along with fans, media photographers and camera crew. Winehouse's father Mitch, who has launched his own musical career on the back of his daughter's success, had been in New York when the news broke. Sarah Brown, wife of former prime minister Gordon Brown, tweeted: "sad sad news of Amy Winehouse - great talent, extraordinary voice, and tragic death, condolences to her family."
Kelly Osbourne, a singer and television personality, also took to the micro blogging site to react: "I cant even breath right now I'm crying so hard I just lost 1 of my best friends. I love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"
Broadcaster and radio DJ Paul Gambaccini said Winehouse's early death was sadly no surprise.
It's tragic because both (her) albums were superb. We have 40 years of Frank Sinatra records, it turns out we only have two Amy Winehouse records."
Winehouse was born on September 14, 1983, to a Jewish family with a history of jazz musicians. She was discovered by soul singer Tyler James at the age of 16 and in 2003 her debut album "Frank" was released, to general acclaim.
The album's hit single "Rehab" contained the line: "They tried to make me go to rehab.
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