George Michael
English singer (1963–2016)
George Michael: from Wham! to an evolving solo catalogue
Pop beginnings with Wham!
George Michael first reached a mass audience as part of Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley. The duo’s bright pop success preceded a solo career in which Michael increasingly controlled his songwriting and presentation. His official catalogue treats the move away from Wham! as the starting point for Faith, a record that established him on his own terms.
Faith and a deliberate change of direction
Released in 1987, Faith mixed pop, rock and soul and produced songs including the title track, Father Figure and One More Try. Rather than repeating its approach, Michael followed it in 1990 with Listen Without Prejudice, featuring Praying for Time and Freedom! ’90. The shift foregrounded a more reflective style of writing as his public image changed.
Later albums and recognition
Older arrived in 1996 with Jesus to a Child and Fastlove; Songs from the Last Century in 1999 turned to interpretations of earlier standards. Patience followed in 2004, while the Twenty Five retrospective in 2006 connected the Wham! years with his solo work. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later inducted Michael, acknowledging a career that moved across pop, soul and other styles.
Data and sources
George Michael official website: discography and biography ↗