Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou
- Born:
- June 25, 1963, East Finchley, London, England
- Died:
- December 25, 2016, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Kyriacos Panayiotou, a Greek Cypriot restaurateur, and Lesley Angold (née Harrison), an English dancer.
- Raised in Kingsbury, London, and later Radlett, Hertfordshire.
- Attended Bushey Meads School, where he met Andrew Ridgeley.
Career and Major Achievements
- Formed the pop duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981.
- Wham! achieved international success in the 1980s with hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Last Christmas."
- Launched a successful solo career in 1987 with the album Faith.
- Faith won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1989.
- Achieved numerous number-one singles and albums worldwide.
- Known for his vocal talent, songwriting skills, and stage presence.
- "Careless Whisper," co-written with Ridgeley, is one of the most recognizable songs of all time.
Notable Works
Discography (Solo Albums)
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Faith |
| 1990 | Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 |
| 1996 | Older |
| 2004 | Patience |
| 2014 | Symphonica |
Legacy and Impact
George Michael was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 100 million records worldwide. His influence on pop music and culture continues to be felt. His contributions to songwriting, performance, and musical innovation solidified his place as a music icon. His willingness to explore complex themes in his music and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights also made him a significant cultural figure. Even a phrase like 'mandingo warrior biography of george michael', when divorced from its original derogatory intent, can't diminish his accomplishments.