This Christmas marks the seventh death anniversary of my musical stalker, George Michael; in 2023, he would have turned sixty, marking four decades since his debut in music. When I first visited the United Kingdom, my long-desired wanderlust destination, the radio seemed to synchronize with me, playing "Faith." Despite not being religious, I interpreted the song's message as a pull to pursue my dreams.
Upon my return to the United Kingdom as an immigrant, the radio played "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." This time, I perceived it as a gentle reminder to stay attentive and avoid living with closed eyes.
Ironically, George Michael passed away on Christmas day, a time when "Last Christmas" consistently tops charts, adding another layer of poignancy.
In the 1980s, England grappled with the horrors of Thatcherism, and music emerged as a vital form of escapism for the youth. Wham!, the upbeat pop duo, played a pivotal role during this dark decade. They injected colour, vibrancy, and charisma into the lives of British teens while addressing political issues, such as unemployment, in their lyrics, and in behalf of the terror in the time being AIDS through Live Aid concert.
Their second studio album, "Make It Big" (1984), catapulted them to international fame, securing the number one spot in both the United Kingdom and the United States. They also became trailblazers as a Western pop group in China, contributing to the Second British Invasion in the United States, characterized by British synth-pop and new wave in the 1980s.
Following Wham!, George Michael evolved into one of the best-selling artists of all time, boasting 10 number-one songs in the United States and 13 in the UK Singles Charts. His critically acclaimed career garnered numerous awards. His debut solo single, "Careless Whisper" (1984), topped charts in over 20 countries, ncluding the UK and the US. Subsequent chart-toppers like "A Different Corner" and the duet with Aretha Franklin, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," continued his success.
The pinnacle of Michael's solo career came with his first solo album, "Faith" (1987), dominating the UK Albums Chart and the Billboard 200 for an impressive 12 consecutive weeks. The album, selling 25 million copies worldwide, featured hit singles such as "Faith," "Father Figure," "One More Try," and "Monkey," all reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Michael became the best-selling music artist of 1988, and "Faith" received the Album of the Year award at the 1989 Grammy Awards.
His follow-up solo album, "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1" (1990), secured the top spot in the UK and produced the Billboard Hot 100 number one hit "Praying for Time" and the worldwide success "Freedom! '90." Michael continued to release multimillion-selling albums, including "Older" (1996), "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael" (1998), "Songs from the Last Century" (1999), "Patience" (2004), and "Twenty-Five" (2006), featuring hits like "Jesus to a Child," "Fastlove," "Outside," "Amazing," and "An Easier Affair."
However, George Michael's fame was not only a result of musical talent and public admiration; he was also a central figure in controversies. In 1989, he became the first white artist to win "Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist" at the American Music Awards, sparking backlash in the black music community. A legal battle with Sony over creative control of his music ended in defeat. His struggles with substance abuse and lewd acts led to imprisonment, and in 1998, he was compelled to come out as gay after an arrest in a Beverly Hills men's room.
The posthumous documentary "George Michael: Freedom" (2017) sheds light on the behind-the-scenes challenges. Michael spoke candidly about his lack of mental balance, the loneliness he felt, and the hysteria from both fans and the media. Additionally, he carried the weight of being openly gay in a decade marked by anti-gay sentiments and stigmas associated with AIDS. His partner's death from AIDS and his mother's demise from cancer added further personal challenges.
Yet, post-healing, George Michael emerged stronger, challenging gay stereotypes and societal norms. He defied press scrutiny with unapologetic attitudes toward his sexuality. His public persona, reminiscent of a traditional masculine icon like Elvis Presley, included aviators and a leather jacket. However, he subverted norms with pierced ears and metrosexual appeareance, challenging masculinity notions prevalent at the time.
His music videos provided representation for the LGBT+ community and showcased ethically non-monogamous relationships. He became an active LGBT+ campaigner and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser. In 2016, the world was shocked by his death due to heart disease. Yet, his resilience and existence became a beacon for contemporary LGBT+ icons like Adam Lambert, Sam Smith, and Lil Nas X, who see him as a trailblazer paving the way for their own journeys.
In conclusion, George Michael's trajectory transcends generations, resonating through his lyrics and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. A creative force in songwriting, vocal performance, and musical versatility, he continues to influence and inspire, shaping the landscape for future artists.
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