The Story of Amy Winehouse With Her Grandmother Cynthia, One of the Most Important Influences in Her Life

Amy Winehouse often credited her grandmother, Cynthia Winehouse (whom she called “Nan”), as one of the most important influences in her life—both personally and artistically. Their relationship was warm, supportive, and deeply formative, shaping Amy’s sense of style, musical direction, and even her attitude toward fame and individuality.

“Cynthia was the one person who could make Amy behave and who she would really listen to,” Amy’s former manager Nick Godwyn said. Though the Winehouses weren’t particularly religious, every Friday night the family would meet in Nan’s house for the traditional weekly Jewish dinner, complete with chicken soup. According to a family friend who occasionally attended, Nan would usually send Amy off to wash up at the end of the meal. Sometimes she would also get her granddaughter to give her a pedicure: “Amy loved that.” These dinners continued until Nan fell ill in 2005.

Cynthia was a singer herself, and her passion for jazz music was a major inspiration for a young Amy. She introduced Amy to the sounds of legendary jazz vocalists like Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. This early exposure to classic jazz deeply influenced Amy’s unique musical style, which fused jazz with soul and R&B.

Cynthia was one of the first people to recognize Amy’s extraordinary talent. She encouraged her to pursue music, even suggesting that she attend the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School to further her vocal training.

Beyond music, Cynthia influenced Amy’s distinctive look. A glamorous and stylish woman in her own right, Cynthia’s 1950s pin-up style, including her beehive hairstyle, became a key part of Amy’s iconic image.

To honor her grandmother, Amy got a tattoo of a 1950s-era pin-up girl on her arm with the name “Cynthia” above it. The tattoo was a constant tribute to the woman who meant so much to her.

Amy and Cynthia were incredibly close. Cynthia was described as a major figure in Amy’s early life, and she was a constant source of love and support, especially after Amy’s parents separated.

Amy’s brother, Alex, described Cynthia as being “small in height but tall in stature,” a description that could also apply to Amy herself.

Cynthia’s death in 2006 had a devastating effect on Amy. The loss of her beloved grandmother occurred around the time of the release of her critically acclaimed album, Back to Black. Many who knew Amy believe that her grief over Cynthia’s death was a turning point that exacerbated her struggles with addiction.

Amy’s deep admiration and love for her “Nan” never faded. In a final testament to their bond, Amy’s ashes were interred with Cynthia’s at Edgwarebury Lane Cemetery.