Mark Ronson says 'There was more to Amy than one classic album'



Mark Ronson backs Amy Winehouse movie that shows real person behind the genius

Pop producer Mark Ronson is riding high at the moment thanks to Uptown Funk, the international smash hit he notched with collaborator Bruno Mars.But it is only the latest chapter in his glittering career – and for many music lovers he will for ever be linked with singer Amy Winehouse.

Ronson produced the jazz sensation’s most famous tracks – Rehab, Back To Black and Valerie – and helped her create a classic album.

Now, with the release of the big screen documentary Amy, Ronson, 39, has been thinking about her legacy and remembering his amazing friend.

“It's tough to watch the film because it brings back memories,” says Ronson. “But what I love is that my wife never got to meet Amy and I am always telling her stories about us in the studio and the clever, witty things that Amy would say.

“We watched it and my wife said, ‘Now I get it, now I see the Amy you talked about’.

I forget that not everyone got to see that side of her.”

“It's really good, they show the lyrics to make sure you read every word and understand the genius of them,”

There was nothing pretentious about her, she had a gift, a talent and ended up becoming a runaway success that led to some unfortunate things happening.

“The respectful thing about the movie is you are reminded why she was famous in the first place – she was a genius

“I forget that when I played her the piano chords to Back To Black she wrote the lyrics in an hour.

I was blown away, people just don’t write lyrics like that any more.

“On Rehab as well, she wrote those lyrics in two hours and they’re so honest.

Whoever thought there’d be a pop record about preferring to listen to Donny Hathaway than going to rehab, in 2006?

Hers were the most open, honest lyrics you’re ever going to hear on pop radio.”

Ronson insists working with Amy has been the greatest privilege of his career.