George Michael for Beginners

George Michael for Beginners.  If you are new to George Michael, below is some information about the iconic musician. 

George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, was a British singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the pop duo Wham! and later went on to have a successful solo career.

Born on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, George Michael started his musical journey with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley.

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley first met when they were both 12 years old and attending Bushey Meads School in Hertfordshire, England. They became friends and shared a love of music, particularly pop and soul. They began playing music together and formed their first band, The Executive, while still in school.

After leaving school, they continued to pursue music and formed the band Wham! in 1981, which went on to achieve great success in the UK

Their debut single, “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do),” became a hit in the UK. Their music was fun, energetic, and appealed to the youth of that era.

Their next single, “Young Guns (Go for It!),” also became a massive hit, followed by a string of other successful singles, including “Club Tropicana,” “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” and “Last Christmas.” Wham! became a global phenomenon, with their music videos and performances showcasing Michael’s unique vocal style and stage presence.

Solo Career

In 1987, Michael embarked on his solo career, and his debut solo album, “Faith,” was a massive success. It featured hit singles such as “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and “One More Try,” which all topped the charts in the US. Michael’s music was now more mature, and his lyrics explored themes such as love, heartbreak, and spirituality.

Throughout his career, George Michael’s music was critically acclaimed, and he received numerous awards, including three Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards. He was also a philanthropist and supported various charities, including AIDS organizations, children’s charities, and the fight against homelessness.

However, Michael’s life was not without its struggles. In 1998, he was arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a public restroom in Los Angeles, which led to a legal battle and damaged his reputation. Michael also struggled with substance abuse and had several run-ins with the law over drug possession.

How did George Michael Die?

George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53 due to heart failure. His death shocked the music industry and his fans worldwide, who mourned the loss of a musical icon. Michael’s music continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans alike, and his legacy lives on through his timeless songs and memorable performances.

George Michael was a talented musician, songwriter, and performer who left an indelible mark on the music industry. His music continues to be celebrated and loved by fans around the world, and his contribution to the music world will be remembered for generations to come.

Little Known facts about George Michael

• George Michael was born with the name Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou and was of Greek Cypriot descent.
  
  
• He was a vegetarian for most of his life and was a supporter of animal rights.
  
  
• Michael was the first white artist to have a solo album reach number one on the US R&B chart with his album “Faith.”
  
  
• He wrote the song “Careless Whisper” when he was just 17 years old and still attending school.
  
  
• George Michael was briefly a DJ on a pirate radio station called ‘Kiss FM’ in London.
  
  
• He once collaborated with Queen on a version of their hit song “Somebody to Love” for a charity performance.
  
  
• Michael was a huge fan of the TV show “The Golden Girls” and even had a replica of their house built in his garden.
  
  
• He anonymously donated millions of dollars to various charities throughout his life.
  
  
• George Michael was involved in several legal battles over the years, including a dispute with his record label and a high-profile case over his sexuality.
  
  
• He reportedly turned down a knighthood from the Queen, stating that it was not his thing.

These are just a few examples of the many interesting and unusual facts about the life and career of George Michael.

George Michael Songs List

Below is a list of some of George Michael’s popular songs:

Careless Whisper
Faith
One More Try
Father Figure
Freedom! ’90
I Want Your Sex
Kissing a Fool
Praying for Time
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John)
Fastlove
Amazing
A Different Corner
Jesus to a Child
Too Funky
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (with Wham!)
Club Tropicana (with Wham!)
Last Christmas (with Wham!)
The Edge of Heaven (with Wham!)
Outside
Spinning the Wheel

This list is by no means exhaustive, as George Michael had a vast discography with many hit songs throughout his career.

George Michael’s Studio Albums

• Faith (1987)
• Listen Without
• Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990)
• Older (1996)
• Songs from the Last
• Century (1999)
• Patience (2004)
• Symphonica (2014)

George Michael also released two compilation albums, “Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael” (1998) and “Twenty Five” (2006), which includes his greatest hits and some new material.

In addition to his studio albums, George Michael collaborated with other artists on various projects, including a duet album with Elton John titled “Duets” (1993), and a tribute album to Nina Simone, “Red Hot + Blue” (1990).

George Michael’s discography is an impressive collection of music that showcases his talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

George Micheal Location Tour

Here at Brit Music Tours we specialise in music tours, including a tour of George Michael’s London locations. Visitors can take a tour of some of the most famous sites associated with George Michael, including his former homes, studios, and music video locations. Some of the locations included in our George Michael Tour include:

1. Visit the Highgate Cemetery, where George Michael is buried
2. Visit the Hampstead Heath area, where he had a home and was known to frequent
3. The Roundhouse, where George Michael performed in his early days with Wham!
4. The Abbey Road Studios, where he recorded some of his music
5. The location of the “Faith” video shoot in downtown Los Angeles
6. The Knebworth House, where he performed his last concert with a live audience

These are just a few examples of the locations on our George Micheal Tour. We also offer a range of other music walking and bus tours in London, Manchester and liverpool.