Terry O’Neill’s Amy Winehouse portrait has been unveiled to mark what would have been the singer’s 35th birthday.
The legendary celebrity photographer "jumped" at the chance to capture the ‘Rehab’ singer – who died at the age of 27 from accidental alcohol poisoning in 2011 – at The Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute in London’s Hyde Park in 2008, three years before the jazz star’s tragic passing.
Asked if the ‘Back to Black’ hitmaker was someone he admired, he told BANG Showbiz: "Oh I did – I thought she’d be one of the greats. I mean, she was starting to go back to her roots and I thought she’d end up being a terrific jazz singer, like Ella [Fitzgerald].
"That’s why when I had the brief opportunity to take her photo, I jumped at it. My photos of Amy were actually taken across the street from where the new Hard Rock Hotel London is, in Hyde Park during Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday party."
Amy’s picture is among a number of masterpieces by Terry, which will be hung up in the suites and bedrooms at the Hard Rock Hotel London, when it opens in spring 2019, as a visual homage to the biggest names in the industry – many of whom have previously stayed at the property in years gone by.
Joining Amy’s portrait are the late Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie, plus Sir Elton John, Diana Ross, Madonna and Sir Mick Jagger.
Oliver Kahf, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel London, said: "Terry O’Neill is one of the world’s most iconic music photographers, so there was no other choice for us when we were selecting a partner to curate the art at the new Hard Rock Hotel London. Music is at the heart of everything we do at the hotel and these immortalised legends will be celebrated by each guest who passes through our doors."
For more information on Hard Rock Hotel London and the collaboration with Terry O’Neill, visit www.hrhlondon.com
Terry O’Neill’s Amy Winehouse portrait unveiled
