Amy Winehouse’s life may have been a tragic chapter in rock ‘n’ roll history, but her music continues to bring joy to fans worldwide. This month, Canadian singer Heidi Munro is reviving that joy through her heartfelt tribute show, Back to Black: The Passion of Amy Winehouse, which will grace three Okanagan venues.
Billed as “a celebration of a gifted and raw artist in the truest form,” Munro’s show delves into Winehouse’s extraordinary musical legacy while honoring her unique spirit. Though Munro has long been fascinated by Winehouse’s life story, her admiration truly lies in the late singer’s fearless approach to music.
“She had a freedom when performing that many other artists tend to shy away from,” Munro said. “Her music was phenomenal, and the world needs to hear more about that—not just the tragedy of her life being cut short.”
Winehouse, who sold over 30 million records globally, was known for her deep contralto voice and her ability to blend musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues, reggae, and jazz. While her struggles with addiction and mental illness were widely publicized, Munro hopes to shine a light on Winehouse’s artistry rather than her personal battles.
“She faced so much pressure from the rock ‘n’ roll circus, being pulled in so many directions,” Munro explained. “For some, it becomes too much to handle, leading to self-medication, whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or other means. But her music resonates deeply, and that’s what I want to celebrate.”
Winehouse passed away in 2011 at the age of 27. Her life story has since been dramatized in the 2024 biopic, Back to Black, and she remains an enduring figure in music history. VH1 ranked her 26th on their list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.
For Munro, who began her career as a country singer on the Canadian prairies, the appeal of Winehouse’s music lies in its timelessness. “Her work draws on influences from the 1950s onward, making it resonate with people of all ages—from high school students to seniors,” Munro said. “She was both intriguing and nostalgic, and nostalgia has such a strong pull these days.”
While Munro channels Winehouse’s distinctive look and stage presence, she clarifies that she isn’t an impersonator. “We share a similar vocal tone and key, but I’m not trying to mimic her,” she said. “The question I always ask myself is, if Amy saw this show, would she feel honored by it?”
Munro previously performed her tribute in Penticton last summer, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Inspired by that experience, she’s now extending her tour across British Columbia.
Fans can catch Back to Black: The Passion of Amy Winehouse at the following venues:
- Vernon Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday, Nov. 22
- Oliver’s Venables Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 24
- Kelowna Community Theatre on Monday, Nov. 25
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
