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Beyond the Music with Mitch Winehouse

Join Amy's father, Mitch Winehouse, music writer Lucy O’Brien and producer, writer and musician Luke Smith as they discuss the eclectic musical influences behind the iconic sound of Amy Winehouse.

What to expect

Amy Winehouse’s distinctive sound and vocals drew upon a variety of musical influences, from The Supremes to Erykah Badu. Her unique blend of hip hop, Motown and jazz led to her winning numerous awards, with her second album, Back to Black, winning six Grammys.

This fusion of genres is what forms part of Amy’s legacy, and she is widely credited for popularising neo-soul. In this panel discussion Amy's father, those who worked with her, and those who drew inspiration from her work will share the songs that meant the most to them.

Over the course of an evening, they will unpack the production methods behind the tracks, the influences that inspired their creation, and how their encounters with Amy, either through collaboration or as a fan, have shaped their own musical practice.

Speakers

Lucy O’Brien

Lucy is a writer, academic and broadcaster. Her books include 'She Bop: The Definitive History of Women in Popular Music', 'Dusty: The Classic Biography', and 'Madonna: Like An Icon'. She co-authored 'It Takes Blood And Guts' with Skunk Anansie’s 'Skin', and is working on a biography of Karen Carpenter. She teaches Music Industry Management at the University of West London.

Luke Smith

Luke Smith is a producer, writer and musician, who cowrote the Amy Winehouse tracks Take the Box and Moody's Mood for Love/ Teo Licks from the album Frank. His work features on albums by BB King, Stormzy and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and he has collaborated with George Michael and Roy Ayers amongst others. In 2021, he played a series of sold out perfomances at the renowned Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club.

Mitch Winehouse

Mitch is Amy Winehouse's father and the co-founder of the Amy Winehouse Foundation. As a performing jazz singer, he is responsible for introducing Amy to many of the musical influences that shaped her distinct sound.

Priya Khanchandani

Priya is the Head of Curatorial at the Design Museum and the lead Curator of the exhibition 'Amy: Beyond the Stage'. She has worked across arts institutions and design journalism for the past decade, following an earlier career as a lawyer.

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Booking information

Adult: £15
Student/Concession: £12
Members: £7

For your safety, we are operating at a reduced capacity for our events. Increased cleaning has also been implemented across the museum. Face masks are mandatory unless exempt.

Please note that this talk will be held in person at the Design Museum however, in the event of strict COVID-19 restrictions, it will be streamed digitally and you will be notified of the decision one week ahead of time.

The exhibition

Amy: Beyond the Stage

Celebrate the legacy and creativity of one of the greatest musicians of our time, Amy Winehouse.
'A heartfelt and intimate celebration of a London icon.’
★★★★ Evening Standard

Background image: Amy: Beyond the Stage exhibition photographed by Ed Reeve. Mitch Winehouse photographed by Michaela Efford.