Google “self destructive singer” and you’ll find dozens of hits on Amy Winehouse. (She’ll be dead in three months, according to reports). I first heard ‘Rehab’ in April of 2007 when Logan performed the song at James Coppola’s Unisex Salon at The Delancey. Performing a song in drag is the ultimate seal of approval in the gay community–and once the gays approve–you’ve got a cultural phenomenon on your hands. Rewind 50 years, and the reigning queen of self destructive contemporary camp culture was Judy Garland. But when I think of the tormented chanteuse, I think less friend of Dorothy, and more Billie Holiday–and lately, thanks to Marion Cotillard, more Edith Piaf.
“Edith Piaf is like the gayest thing,” According to Stephen Holt–and I think he’s on to something. This isn’t news, but it’s definitely worth resuscitating: gay culture fawns over tortured souls, and I’m not sure why.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr3jXOs0j_w]
La Vie En Rose is now available on DVD. I highly recommend it–if only for the music. And maybe you can tell me why we obsess on implosive beautiful things. Here’s a clip from 1954. Enjoy!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-sUzR71wpQ]
Is Amy Winehouse the new Edith Piaf or the new Billie Holiday?
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Tags: Amy Winehouse, Edith Piaf, Film, La Vie En Rose, Marion Cotillard, Unisex Salon
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Edith Piaf is just Fascinating and La Vie en Rose must be the happiest most romantic love song ever. Check out the lyrics on Lovelyrics.com Her voice is so gay yet her life was sad, she gives me goose bumps!
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ugh don’t gay-ify edith piaf. I don’t want her to be another one of those classic icons whose historical talent is torn to commercial shreds by queeny gay bois who think liking edith makes them a little more deeper and serious than a pink elephant with cancer.
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