The list of stars who have died at this early stage in their life covers a range of eras and styles but one thing they have in common is that they had a huge influence on music during their short careers.
The ultimate rock 'n' roll expression "live fast, die young" - which actually dates from the 1949 Humphrey Bogart movie Knock On Any Door - is often quoted in the cases of five other musicians who left their fans wanting more at the age of 27.
One of the founding members of The Rolling Stones, he was best known for his guitar and harmonica playing in the band.
He had also initially doubled up as the business manager of the group - earning more than the other members. But when Andrew Loog Oldham was appointed as manager, Jones became renowned as much for his heavy drug use as for his musical contribution to the band.
When in June 1969, the other members decided that they needed a reliable lead guitarist for their upcoming tour, the 27-year-old was replaced in the band by Mick Taylor.
Less than a month later, the star was found dead in the swimming pool at his home at Cotchford Farm, in Hartfield, Sussex
A coroner ruled his death was caused by "misadventure" and also noted that Jones's liver and heart were heavily enlarged by drug and alcohol abuse.
A film, Stoned, released in 2005, claimed Jones was killed by his builder, Frank Thorogood, to whom he owed money. Mr Thorogood was also said to have made a deathbed confession in 1993. But despite a police review of the case, no further action was taken.
Winehouse enrolled in rehab a few times, but left early from each program.
Sack said the anticipation of phsyical withdrawal, and the likelihood that the addict would lose his or her relationship with those that hinder their sobriety, keep many from accepting treatment.
"Most who are drug dependent are afraid to seek treatment," said Sack. "Winehouse did better than many others by trying."
Winehouse's environment may have fostered her drug dependency, he said.
"Drugs get glamorized in the creative community," said Sack. "There's a lifestyle situation that creates an environment where it's acceptable."
Winehouse's father Mitch Winehouse, publicly cited multiple family problems that he said may have spiraled Winehouse into depression and addiction.
Mitch Winehouse told the British paper, the Daily Mail, that he had a public decade-long affair with his coworker that started when Winehouse was 2 years old.
"It was difficult," Mitch Winehouse told the Daily Mail in 2008.
Besides the chemical addition to drugs and alcohol, many addicts have previously suffered from a traumatic event or even a psychological disorder such as depression.
"There are many children of bad marriages that don't go into addiction," said Sack. "But it does raise the risk of the child to get involved in drugs and alcohol."
Winehouse had reconciled with her father since then, but that did not seem to help her to stay sober.
Mitch Winehouse, an aspiring singer himself, said he knew his daughter's career and the publicity surrounding her personal life helped his chances at a music career.
"It [the relationship between father and daughter] was complicated," said Ian Drew, senior music editor of US Weekly magazine. "She loved her father, but he also fed off of her."
"He couldn't rein her in as much as he loved her,"said Drew.
Although family members are primary motivators for addicts to seek treatment, the ultimate decision to follow through lies with an addict, said Sack.
While Winehouse was not seeking formal treatment, she was looking to continue her career. Winehouse was reportedly working on another album.
"It is clear that she was hopeful she'd be well enough to make another album," said Sack. "She was looking to do better.
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