R.I.P. George Michael

 

George Michael, British pop star and half of the duo known as Wham! died Sunday at his home in Goring in Oxfordshire, England. Police were called to the residence at two in the afternoon, and noted his death as "Unexplained, but not suspicious."

Mr. Michael was one of pop’s reigning stars in the 1980s and 1990s — first as a handsome, smiling, teenypop idol making lighthearted singles like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” with Wham!, then arriving as a grown-up pop sex symbol with his 1987 album “Faith.”

But Mr. Michael grew increasingly uncomfortable with the superficiality and relentless promotion of 1980s-style pop stardom. He turned away from video clips and live shows; he set out to make more mature statements in his songs, though he never completely abandoned singing about love and desire. Mr. Michael wrote supple ballads, like “Careless Whisper” and “Father Figure,” as well as buoyant dance tracks like “Freedom ’90” and “I Want Your Sex.” For much of his career, including his best-selling albums “Faith” and “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1,” he was also his own producer and studio backup band. Much of his music drew on R&B, old and new, but his melodic gift extended across genres.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Michael's manager Michael Lippman said the cause of death was heart failure. Michael was 53.  


Newest 2
Newest 2 Comments

During aforementioned transition period, Micheal talked publicly about his distain for having to promote his work. Cue the coolest scolding in music history.

www.lettersofnote.com/2010/05/come-on-george-loosen-up-swing-man.html
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"R.I.P. George Michael"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More