You couldn’t have a VH1 Divas special in the second half of 2011 without paying tribute to one of the 21st century’s greatest divas, Amy Winehouse. That goes double for an installment devoted to soul music. Last night’s Divas assembled some of the best pipes in the business, including Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, and Mavis Staples, with the ubiquitous Roots serving as house band. But the segment that pushed us to the verge of tears was a celebration of Winehouse’s career, including a personal remembrance from her friend Nas and performances of “Back to Black” by Florence Welch and “You Know I’m No Good” by Sharon Jones and Wanda Jackson (who also covered the song for her latest, Jack White-produced album, The Party Ain’t Over). Watch Divas’ Amy Winehouse tribute after the jump, and see more clips from the special at Prefix.
Florence Welch — “Back to Black”
Sharon Jones and Wanda Jackson — “You Know I’m No Good”