Careless Whispers: The Life and Career of George Michael

Careless Whispers: The Life & Career of George Michael

by Robert Steele

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	20895 KB
Print length	:	320 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Early Life and Career

George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, England. His father, Kyriacos, was a Greek Cypriot restaurateur, and his mother, Lesley, was an English dancer. Michael had two older sisters, Yioda and Melanie.

Michael began singing and playing the piano at an early age. He attended Bushey Meads School in Bushey, Hertfordshire, where he met Andrew Ridgeley, who would later become his musical partner in Wham!. The two boys formed a band called the Executive, which later changed its name to Wham!.

In 1981, Wham! released their debut single, "Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)." The song was a minor hit, but it helped to raise the band's profile. Wham!'s second single, "Young Guns (Go for It!)," was a major hit, reaching number one in the UK. The band's debut album, Fantastic, was also a success, reaching number one in the UK and the US.

Wham! continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1980s. Their biggest hit, "Careless Whisper," was released in 1984 and topped the charts in over 25 countries. Wham! also starred in two successful films, George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley: The Final and Wham!: The Video.

Solo Career

In 1986, Michael left Wham! to pursue a solo career. His debut solo album, Faith, was released in 1987 and was a massive success. The album sold over 25 million copies worldwide and spawned six hit singles, including "Father Figure," "One More Try," and "Faith."

Michael's second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, was released in 1990. The album was a more mature and introspective work than Faith, and it was not as commercially successful. However, the album did produce several hit singles, including "Praying for Time" and "Freedom! '90."

Michael's third solo album, Older, was released in 1996. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned several hit singles, including "Jesus to a Child" and "Fastlove."

Michael's fourth solo album, Songs from the Last Century, was released in 1999. The album was a collection of cover songs, and it was not as commercially successful as his previous albums.

Michael's fifth solo album, Patience, was released in 2004. The album was a return to form for Michael, and it spawned several hit singles, including "Amazing" and "Flawless (Go to the City)."

Personal Life and Death

Michael was open about his sexuality, and he came out as gay in 1998. He was a vocal advocate for LGBT rights, and he used his platform to speak out against homophobia.

Michael struggled with personal demons throughout his life, including drug addiction and depression. He was arrested several times for drug possession, and he spent time in rehab.

Michael died on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53. The cause of death was heart failure.

Legacy

George Michael was one of the most successful and iconic pop stars of the 1980s and 1990s. His music was known for its catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful vocals. Michael was also a pioneer in the use of music videos, and his innovative visuals helped to define the MTV era.

Michael's music continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world. He is remembered as one of the most talented and charismatic pop stars of all time.

Careless Whispers: The Life & Career of George Michael

by Robert Steele

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	20895 KB
Print length	:	320 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE