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The music world has been paying tribute to singer Amy Winehouse, 27, who has been found dead at her London home.
Her former producer Mark Ronson said: "She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life."
Comedian and actor Russell Brand posted a statement on his website, saying: "We have lost a beautiful and talented woman."
Police said the cause of Winehouse's death was as yet unexplained.
The Brit and Grammy award-winner had struggled with drink and drug addiction and had recently spent time in rehab.
A statement from the Winehouse family said: "Our family has been left bereft by the loss of Amy, a wonderful daughter, sister, niece.
"She leaves a gaping hole in our lives. We are coming together to remember her and we would appreciate some privacy and space at this terrible time."
Brand, who has also struggled with drug addiction in the past, described one of the first times he saw her perform.
"Entering the space I saw Amy on stage with [Paul] Weller and his band; and then the awe. The awe that envelops when witnessing a genius," he said.
At the time he met Winehouse, Brand had not yet completely dropped taking drugs and he said the pair of them "shared an affliction, the disease of addiction".
Hip-hop producer Salaam Remi, who worked on Winehouse's albums Frank and Back To Black, paid his tribute to her on Twitter saying: "Very Very Sad Day. Just lost a Great Friend and a Sister."
He added: "RIP my baby SiS Cherry Winehouse. Love ya always."
News of her death has prompted tributes from other celebrity friends.
TV presenter Kelly Osbourne tweeted: "i cant even breath right now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood dedicated his Saturday night show on Absolute Radio to Winehouse. He said: "It's a very sad loss of a very good friend I spent many great times with."
He said a reunion performance by his former group, The Faces, in Hurtwood, Surrey, would also be dedicated to the singer.
Winehouse made her last public appearance on Wednesday night when she joined her goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield, on stage at The Roundhouse in Camden.
The singer danced with Bromfield and encouraged the audience to buy her album in the impromptu appearance.
On Saturday night Bromfield took to the stage at a festival in Pontypridd in Wales, just two hours after news broke of the singer's death.
The 15-year-old did not mention Winehouse during her half-hour set.
Music promoter Orchard Entertainment said there had been "no pressure" on Bromfield to perform.
Spokesman Tim Powell said: "It was very, very professional. We would have perfectly understood if she hadn't wanted to perform but she very bravely did."