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George Michael was in fact not born with that perfect entertainer's name. Georgios (Yorgos) Kyriacos Panayiotou was the name on his birth certificate when born on June 25th, 1963 in North London. From the beginning of his studies at a comprehensive school, it was apparent that young George's skills as a singer would not go untapped.
Teaming up with schoolmate Andrew Ridgeley, they jammed together and eventually formed their first band, the Executive, in the late '70s. It wasn't until they combined as a true duo and gave themselves the name Wham! in 1982 that success came their way.
With the albums Fantastic, Make It Big and The Final, Wham! became the pop group of the '80s. All three albums went to No. 1 on the UK charts and enjoyed similar success in America. The singles "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go," "I'm Your Man" and "Freedom" were huge hits, boosting the duo's reputation even further.
With the success of 1984's "Careless Whisper," which was credited as "George Michael from Wham!" (even though Ridgeley co-composed the song), it was evident that better things could come of Michael's solo career. At a sold-out concert in Wembley Stadium in 1986, Wham! bid adieu to fans, with Ridgeley and Michael parting ways.
That same year, working up to his project as a solo artist, Michael teamed up with Aretha Franklin for "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" and in 1987, won his first Grammy in the Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance category. A whirlwind of activity, Michael traveled between England and Denmark in order to release Faith, his first album, on time.
The record was received with enormous anticipation, and on the strength of the title track, "I Want Your Sex" and "Father Figure," it sold an incredible 16 million units worldwide. At the 1988 Grammy awards, Michael received yet another trophy, this time for Album of the Year. The MTV Video Music Awards, among other institutions, further honored him for his breakthrough album.
Reflecting on his own reaction to a constant barrage of media at home in London as well as abroad, Michael realized his second album should be more about his own evolution as an artist instead of trying to please the masses. Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 represented a new raw sound for the '90s.
Most memorable of his singles was "Freedom 90," a rebellious song whose video enlisted the help of top supermodels Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington. Still in his 20s, Michael was rising to icon status, consistently producing hit after hit. At a concert alongside Elton John, a remake of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" was produced, yet another duet single that climbed to the top of the charts and was also nominated for a Grammy.
Although it would be another six years until Michael released his third album, he was never out of the spotlight. Songs with Queen and Lisa Stansfield released on an AIDS benefit CD in commemoration of Freddie Mercury kept him afloat. Outside of the recording studio, Michael could be seen in court, trying to break away from a contract signed with Sony Music Entertainment. Although he lost the case after years of proceedings and millions of dollars, Michael set a precedent for other artists taking on big music companies.
Michael eventually bought himself out of his contract, and after signing with DreamWorks and Virgin Records, he finally released Older in 1996. "Fastlove" and "Jesus To A Child" breathed new life for him as they were both huge international hits. With somewhat of a comeback, Michael put on his first live performances in five years.
With a the 1998 release of Ladies & Gentleman: The Best of George Michael, which was certified double platinum, along with another effort in the single "Freeek!," Michael has proven that he can outlast any fad.
Each album and collection he puts out is introspective, creative, catchy, and meaningful to him and his fans (who, in total, have put worldwide George Michael album sales above 67 million). Although self-induced dramas have come his way (who will ever forget the 1998 incident where he was arrested for lewd behavior in a public restroom?), Michael has been able to cast them away by being open and candid.
Recently, when the controversial single "Shoot The Dog" (which pokes fun at British Prime Minister Tony Blair and American President George W. Bush) was released, he was quick to put out a letter refuting that it publicized anti-American sentiments, despite the fact that he chose not to release the video in the U.S.
His intentions -- despite some public misunderstandings -- have always been geniune in the music world and with his charitable heart and charismatic personality, we hope George Michael adds at least another 20 years to his career.
George Michael Discography
Album
2004 Patience [UK]
2004 Patience
2000 Faith: Interview
1999 Maximum George
1999 Songs from the Last Century
1998 Interview
1998 Older & Upper
1996 Older
1990 Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1
1987 Faithl
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