AMY WINEHOUSE'S CLOSE MUSIC FRIENDS TO PERFORM AT FOUNDATION BALL

Late singer's 'close friends' set tribute gig

Mark Ronson and Tyler James are set to perform a special show in London tonight for the Amy Winehouse Foundation ball. Both stars were close to Amy before her death.

Ronson and James were two of the late singer's closest friends in the music industry, and it has been revealed both will play tonight's charity event to raise money for the homeless.

James in particular was friends with Winehouse from the age of 13 after the pair both attended Sylvia Young Theatre school. The star of TV talent show, The Voice, 'dedicated his life' to trying help Winehouse overcome her alcohol problems until her death last year.

Ronson produced Winehouse's seminal second album 'Back to Black'. The singer also collaborated with him on his cover of The Zutons track 'Valerie', which appeared on his album 'Versions'.

Speaking about the event, Amy's father, Mitch Winehouse said: "We’re just really carrying on the work she was starting. She was particularly concerned with homeless people as well."

Mitch went onto to recount a time when Amy had taken a homeless woman into her home. He added: "There was this young lady walking around in Amy’s house and I said, 'Amy who’s this young girl?' and she said, 'Dad she’s homeless. I’m looking after her.'"

Tyler James and Amy Winehouse in 2009

The Amy Winehouse Foundation aims to give support and advice to homeless young people, as well as providing beds for the homeless throughout the winter.

Having been set up following Winehouse's death last year the foundation raised £230,000 by its first anniversary.

Charities that have benefited include the New Horizon Youth Centre, and Fitzrovia Youth in Action.

The Ball will take place at London's Dorchester Hotel tonight, and will also feature performances from Matt Goss and Jamie Cullum.