We talk to Mitch Winehouse ahead of his performance at the Snowman Spectacular Ball in aid of Chestnut Tree House
Mitch Winehouse, father of Amy, set up a foundation in his daughter’s name after her tragic death this summer. This month he is singing at the Snowman Spectacular in aid of Chestnut Tree House, as part of his mission to save “as many ill and disadvantaged kids as we can”.
How long have you been singing professionally?
35 years, on and off.
Do you think of yourself as a singer?
I have always thought of myself as a singer, even when I was a cab driver.
How would you describe your style?
Relaxed jazzy.
Do you used to sing around the house, do you think your tastes influenced Amy’s music?
I always sang around the house and Amy sang with me.
Did you learn from her?
Honestly, no. I taught her to sing the basics. Then she took it on 100 stages.
Your daughter died tragically young. Your family have set up a foundation in her name to support young people in need, what are your hopes for the Foundation?
Our hopes are to help as many ill and disadvantaged kids as we can.
The Foundation has given a donation of �10,000 to support the Chestnut Tree House hospice. How did you hear about its work?
We saw their website and we immediately wanted to help them in some way.
What were your impressions of the hospice after you visited it?
We were very moved and encouraged by the great work that the staff and parents were doing at the hospice.
You are singing at the Snowman Ball in aid of the hospice at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on December 3. What will you be singing?
I am singing Girl from Ipanema – an Amy favourite and meditation. This is a song about loss.
Have you visited Sussex often?
Many times.
Do you have any favourite places to visit and why?
We love Brighton and we love shopping in the Lanes.
