Dale Davis, the band leader and close confidante of the late singer Amy Winehouse, has shared an intimate reflection on their relationship as the 20th anniversary of her acclaimed album *Back To Black* approaches. Davis, who worked with Winehouse from when she was 19 until her death at age 27 in 2011, recalls the emotional and complex bond they shared during her final months.

Davis joined Winehouse’s band in 2003 as the bassist, later becoming her musical director. Despite a 17-year age difference, the two connected over their shared love of hip-hop, soul, and 1990s R&B, as well as Jack Daniel’s whiskey. He describes Winehouse as someone who loved fiercely and was fiercely loyal, saying, “If Amy loved you, no matter who it was, she loved you hard. She always had my back and I always had hers.”

*Back To Black*, released on October 27, 2006, marked a pivotal moment in Winehouse’s career. The album, which followed her debut *Frank*, sold over 20 million copies worldwide and includes tracks such as "Rehab," "Me & Mr Jones," and "Love Is A Losing Game." The record’s candid exploration of her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil and struggles with addiction highlighted her vulnerability and raw talent.

Davis recalls witnessing the emotional turmoil behind her 2008 Grammy win. Though Winehouse was unable to attend the awards ceremony in Los Angeles due to visa issues, she performed remotely from London. Davis says that despite the accolades, she was distraught over being separated from Fielder-Civil, demonstrating the depth of her personal struggles amid professional success.

Reflecting on Winehouse’s artistry, Davis highlights her ability to switch seamlessly from orchestral performances to intimate acoustic renditions, pointing to a demo version of "Love Is A Losing Game" included in the expanded anniversary release. He also praises the track "Me & Mr Jones" for its irreverent tone and jazzy swing, emblematic of Winehouse’s boundary-pushing style.

Despite her immense talent, Davis acknowledges the darker aspects of Winehouse’s life, including her battles with an eating disorder—which he believes contributed to her decline—and insomnia exacerbated by Fielder-Civil’s imprisonment. He describes their final phone call on July 22, 2011, just hours before her death, when Winehouse reassured him of her singing ability even amid her struggles.

Davis also defends Winehouse’s parents, Janis and Mitch, from blame often directed at family members following her passing. He notes Janis’s own health challenges during Amy’s rise to fame and recognizes the complexities Mitch faced reconnecting with his daughter after years apart.

Currently, Davis continues to honor Winehouse’s legacy as he leads The Amy Winehouse Band on tours in the UK and abroad. Ahead of a commemorative performance of *Back To Black* at The Roundhouse in London, directed by album producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, Davis described Winehouse as “the most rebellious person I’ve ever come across” and suggested that had she lived, she might have evolved into a multi-faceted entertainer akin to Barbra Streisand or Bette Midler.

As the music world reflects on two decades since *Back To Black*, Davis’s insights offer a poignant perspective on the woman behind the music—a vivid reminder of Winehouse’s enduring impact and the complexities that shaped her brief but unforgettable career.