George Michael was one of the biggest pop stars of the 1980s and 1990s. He had a voice that could make people dance to a catchy tune or feel every word of a soulful ballad. But even though he shared the stage with legends like Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder, George never tried to be anyone else. That’s what made his music so special.
From Wham! to Solo Stardom
George first became famous as part of the pop duo Wham!. Hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Freedom” made the world notice him. But George wanted more than pop fame. He wanted to make music that meant something to him.
In 1986, he went solo and released Faith, an album that showed off his talent in pop, R&B, and soul. George wrote and produced most of the songs himself. That creative control helped him turn into more than a teen pop star — he became a true artist.
A Voice Influenced by Legends
George loved music and admired many great artists:
David Bowie: George called him an “otherworldly god.” Bowie’s courage to try new sounds inspired George to take risks in his own music.
Freddie Mercury & Queen: George admired their theatrical style and versatility.
Motown Stars: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye shaped the way he sang and performed.
Elton John: Collaborating with Elton on “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” showed the respect between them.
Even though he admired them, George didn’t want to copy anyone. He knew he couldn’t be Bowie or Mercury, and he didn’t need to be.
Finding His Own Voice
George Michael took inspiration from his heroes but made music that was uniquely his own. He loved soul music, but he also experimented with pop, R&B, and dance sounds. Songs like “Faith”, “Freedom! ’90”, and “Fastlove” proved he could reinvent himself while staying true to his style.
He spent hours in the studio, building songs from scratch. He knew that copying others could make a career, but being himself made him legendary.
His Lasting Legacy
George Michael showed that being authentic is more powerful than trying to be someone else. His music continues to inspire new artists and fans around the world. Even though he admired greats like Bowie and Elton John, he didn’t try to be them. Instead, he became George Michael — a pop star with heart, soul, and a voice people will never forget.