George Michael

Author : James Gavin
Publisher : Abrams
Page : 475 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2022-06-28
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781647006730

Get Book

George Michael by James Gavin Pdf

The definitive biography of George Michael, offering an expansive look at the troubled life of the legendary singer, songwriter, and pop superstar George Michael was an extravagantly gifted, openhearted soul singer whose work was both pained and smolderingly erotic. He was a songwriter of true craft and substance, and his music swept the world, starting in the mid-1980s. His fabricated image—that of a hypermacho sex god—loomed large in the pop culture of his day. It also hid—for a time—the secret he fought against revealing: Michael was gay. Soon his obsession with fame would start to backfire. As one of the industry’s most privileged yet tortured men began to self-destruct, the press showed little sympathy. George Michael: A Life explores the compelling story of a superstar whose struggles, as well as his songs, continue to touch fans all over the world. Acclaimed music biographer James Gavin traces Michael’s metamorphosis from the shy and awkward Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou into the swaggering, dominant half of the leading British pop duo of the 1980s Wham!; he then details Michael’s sensational solo career and its subsequent unraveling. With deep analysis of the creative process behind Michael’s albums, tours, and music videos, as well as interviews with hundreds of his friends and colleagues, George Michael: A Life is a probing, definitive portrait of a pop legend.

Author : Andrew Ridgeley
Publisher : Penguin UK
Page : 368 pages
File Size : 41,5 Mb
Release : 2019-10-03
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780241385838

Get Book

Wham! George & Me by Andrew Ridgeley Pdf

It's that time of year again . . . Turn up 'Last Christmas', get the mince pies out and head back to the 80s in the remarkably honest and fascinating autobiography from one half of the world's greatest pop duo THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'I couldn't put it down. Such a fantastic book' Chris Evans, Virgin Radio ________ School mates. Band mates. Soul mates . . . When Andrew Ridgley took George Michael, the new boy at school, under his wing, he discovered a soul mate. In Wham! George and Me, Andrew tells the story of how they rode a rollercoaster of success around the world while making iconic records and surviving superstardom with their friendship intact. It is a memoir of love, music, the flamboyant 1980s and living in a pop hurricane. No one else can ever tell their story - because no one else was there . . . For the first time, Andrew Ridgeley tells the inside story of Wham!, his life-long friendship with George Michael and the formation of a band that changed the shape of the music scene in the early eighties. ________ 'A joyous celebration of the Wham! years. For anyone who was a teenager in the early 1980s, it will take you on a nostalgia trip. It's an honest but affectionate account of a remarkable duo who remained true to their origins and their friendship throughout it all' Daily Express 'As infectious as their music' Daily Mirror 'A remarkably generous memoir. In more than one sense, the biography of a friend' Spectator 'A great story' Saturday Live, Radio 4 'A lovely book. A love letter to George' Graham Norton, BBC One 'Charming, heartfelt . . . there's a real poignancy to Ridgeley's description of Wham!'s glory days' Sunday Times

Author : Rob Jovanovic
Publisher : Piatkus
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2015-12-03
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780349411248

Get Book

George Michael by Rob Jovanovic Pdf

George Michael is an enigma. While he is one of the most open and vocal pop superstars on the planet, he also fiercely protective of his privacy. From the formation of Wham! In 1981 he immediately found fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams. His music formed the soundtrack to the 1980s and he achieved all of this despite growing up in a dysfunctional family where his father openly proclaimed that George had no talent. Wham! split in 1986 but Michael went on to greater things as a solo artist. Along the way he has been embroiled in several controversies, but in refreshing contrast to other superstars, he has been happy to address his issues head-on in the media. Rob Jovanovic's biography tackles all the issues that formed George Michael and his place as a cultural icon. It also, for the first time, analyses Michael's musical output and groundbreaking videos.

Author : George Michael,Tony Parsons
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 242 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 1991
Category : Rock musicians
ISBN : 014013235X

Get Book

Bare by George Michael,Tony Parsons Pdf

George Michael is one of the world's top pop music vocalists. This book tells how the boy from a working class background made it to the top of the music charts in countries all over the world. It tells the story of George's involvement with the group Wham and of the $3 million deal with the Coca Cola company. George's songs, his music, his craft as well as his family, friends and life on and off the road are all included. His observations amd comments on other musical stars are also quoted.

Author : Matthew Horton
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 145 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2022-05-05
Category : Music
ISBN : 9781501377983

Get Book

George Michael's Faith by Matthew Horton Pdf

On Saturday, June 28, 1986, George Michael picked up his tasselled leather jacket, walked out of London's Wembley Stadium and cheerfully tore up five years of glittering pop history. He'd just disposed of Wham!, the band he'd formed with school friend Andrew Ridgeley when they were teenagers, and now, at 23, he knew he was all grown up. He just needed to convince everyone else. Faith is what happens when you've outstripped your dreams, your peers, your friends and your fans, and no one's caught up yet. It's about pouring all of that confusion, insecurity and sizzling ambition into music that comes out confused, insecure and ambitious – and then selling 25 million copies of it. George Michael was always preparing for this and, in the process, he set a template for all disaffected singers making that move. This book examines that model and the themes that went into Faith – from engaging in politics to crossing over to a Black audience and writing classic pop songs to endure – and speaks to the surviving key players to tell the story of how it was made.

Author : David Nolan
Publisher : Carlton Books
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2018-01-02
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 1780979797

Get Book

George Michael: Freedom by David Nolan Pdf

This lavishly illustrated volume pays tribute to George Michael, the brilliant songwriter who went from teen idol to activist. When George Michael's death was announced on Christmas Day in 2016, the world mourned the loss of a huge talent who left us far too soon. Blessed with a dramatic, soulful voice, Michael was a charismatic pop star . . . and far more. With his keen social conscience, he worked tirelessly for charity, became a gay icon who fought for sexual rights and education, and took on the record industry and media. George Michael: Freedom tells his story, from the fun and sunshiny tunes of Wham to the dark lyricism of his solo work. Featuring informative and insightful text from a prominent music journalist and a variety of photographs from many of the best contemporary photographers--including rarely seen images and some taken during his final appearances--this beautiful tribute paints an intimate portrait of the world-famous musician.

Author : Robert Steele
Publisher : Omnibus Press
Page : 488 pages
File Size : 42,6 Mb
Release : 2017-09-04
Category : Music
ISBN : 9781783239689

Get Book

Careless Whispers: The Life & Career of George Michael by Robert Steele Pdf

The unexpected death of George Michael on Christmas Day, 2016 brought to a close the life of one of the UK’s most loved pop icons. Careless Whispers is the gripping story of this musical legend – A record-shattering singer, songwriter and producer whose 30-year career saw him become one of the best-selling artists of all time. Revised and updated to encompass his final few years and the outpouring of love in his wake, this celebratory Omnibus Enhanced edition also includes a Digital Timeline of George Michael’s career, packed with live performances, music videos, interviews and more. This revealing biography digs deep into George Michael’s career, from the formation of Wham! to his success as a solo artist and, eventually, the final projects before his tragic passing. Within this larger-than-life tale, Robert Steele also explores his closely-guarded private life, including the death of his partner in 1993, the drug and sex scandals that sent him to prison in 2010 and the circumstances surrounding his death, as well as details of his astonishing philanthropy which were never revealed during his lifetime. Careless Whispers is an essential and inspiring read of a true musical icon like no other.

Author : Nicholas Wapshott,Tim Wapshott
Publisher : Macmillan
Page : 351 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 1999
Category : Rock musicians
ISBN : 0330367544

Get Book

Older by Nicholas Wapshott,Tim Wapshott Pdf

Author : Carolyn McHugh
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 112 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2021-09
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1912918625

Get Book

George Michael by Carolyn McHugh Pdf

George Michael was an English singer, songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist who rose to fame as a member of the music duo Wham! and later embarked on a solo career. Michael has sold over 115 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His first solo single "Careless Whisper" reached number one in over 20 countries, including the US. Michael's debut solo album Faith was released in 1987, staying at number one on the Billboard 200 for 12 weeks, and winning Album of the Year at the 31st Grammy Awards. Three years later Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990) was released which included the Billboard Hot 100 number one "Praying for Time." "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," a 1991 duet with Elton John, was also a transatlantic number one. Michael, who came out as gay in 1998, was an active LGBT rights campaigner and HIV/ AIDS charity fundraiser. His most famous songs were with Wham! and as a solo artist, but he also collaborated with such musical royalty as Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Queen, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Paul McCartney, and Beyonce. This is his story.

Author : George Michael
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 416 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2006
Category : Current Events
ISBN : UOM:39015063328085

Get Book

The Enemy of My Enemy by George Michael Pdf

In the violent world of radical extremists, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." This study reveals how that precept plays out in the unexpected bonding between militant Islam and the extreme right in America and Europe. It provides an insightful and sane look at the possibilities for collaboration between these groups.

Author : The Editors of PEOPLE
Publisher : Time Inc. Books
Page : 83 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2017-01-19
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781683308218

Get Book

PEOPLE George Michael by The Editors of PEOPLE Pdf

With glorious, rarely seen photos and new interviews with Aretha Franklin, Cindy Crawford, Melissa Etheridge and remembrances from many other famous friends, this People commemorative edition celebrates the unparalleled life and career of George Michael (1963-2016). From his early years as a teen songwriter with Wham! to his incredible solo success with hits like "Faith" and "Freedom '90." A must for fans!

Author : George Rapitis
Publisher : AuthorHouse
Page : 62 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2021-07-13
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781665531344

Get Book

George Michael by George Rapitis Pdf

Appearing in a trendy 80s beard, Michael was seen with Ridgeley onstage at Live Aid on 13 July 1985 (surprisingly they did not sing as Wham!). Michael sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" with Elton John, while Ridgeley sang with Kiki Dee in the row of backing singers. In September, Wham! did it right and released the single "I'm Your Man" which went to No. 1 in the UK charts.

Author : Sean Smith
Publisher : HarperCollins
Page : 307 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2017-11-16
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780008155650

Get Book

George: A Memory of George Michael by Sean Smith Pdf

George is the story of two extraordinary lives – the private man and the public legend.

Author : Emily Herbert
Publisher : Kings Road Publishing
Page : 216 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2017-02-16
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781786064714

Get Book

George Michael - The Life: 1963-2016 by Emily Herbert Pdf

'I WENT THROUGH A LONG PERIOD WHERE I WAS AFRAID OF DOING THINGS I WANTED TO DO, AND YOU GET YOUR COURAGE BACK, WHICH IS WHAT'S IMPORTANT' – GEORGE MICHAEL Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, George Michael was raised in a family of Greek Cypriot immigrants in North London, and dreamed of stardom when he was a little boy. At just twelve years old he met Andrew Ridgeley and the two of them went on to achieve stunning success in the early 1980s with Wham!, creating music that remains popular to this day. Yet despite the enormous success of Wham!, George wanted more, and so set about recreating himself as a serious solo artist, reaching heights of even greater success. Ironically, however, even from the early days he was plagued with insecurity about his sexuality, which, combined with the calamity of losing his first lover to AIDS and his mother to cancer, plunged him into a lifelong struggle with drug addiction. He died, at the tragically early age of just fifty three, on Christmas Day 2016. George Michael's life and career brought him international fame, and his sudden and unexpected death shocked the world. His unrivalled popularity as an artist, however, and the music he made, have turned him into one of the immortal greats of pop music. As Emily Herbert shows in this new biography, his legacy is not just his music, but his many extraordinary, and often anonymous, acts of charity.

Author : Michael Charry
Publisher : University of Illinois Press
Page : 466 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2011-06-01
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780252093104

Get Book

George Szell by Michael Charry Pdf

This book is the first full biography of George Szell, one of the greatest orchestra and opera conductors of the twentieth century. From child prodigy pianist and composer to world-renowned conductor, Szell's career spanned seven decades, and he led most of the great orchestras and opera companies of the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the NBC and Chicago Symphonies, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and Opera, and the Concertgebouw Orchestra. A protégé of composer-conductor Richard Strauss at the Berlin State Opera, his crowning achievement was his twenty-four-year tenure as musical director of the Cleveland Orchestra, transforming it into one of the world's greatest ensembles, touring triumphantly in the United States, Europe, the Soviet Union, South Korea, and Japan. Michael Charry, a conductor who worked with Szell and interviewed him, his family, and his associates over several decades, draws on this first-hand material and correspondence, orchestra records, reviews, and other archival sources to construct a lively and balanced portrait of Szell's life and work from his birth in 1897 in Budapest to his death in 1970 in Cleveland. Readers will follow Szell from his career in Europe, Great Britain, and Australia to his guest conducting at the New York Philharmonic and his distinguished tenure at the Metropolitan Opera and Cleveland Orchestra. Charry details Szell's personal and musical qualities, his recordings and broadcast concerts, his approach to the great works of the orchestral repertoire, and his famous orchestrational changes and interpretation of the symphonies of Robert Schumann. The book also lists Szell's conducting repertoire and includes a comprehensive discography. In highlighting Szell's legacy as a teacher and mentor as well as his contributions to orchestral and opera history, this biography will be of lasting interest to concert-goers, music lovers, conductors, musicians inspired by Szell's many great performances, and new generations who will come to know those performances through Szell's recorded legacy.