Memories of George Michael

Some of the biggest names in music, fashion and art share their thoughts on the singer whose music and generosity touched so many people across the world

Paul McCartney

‘Having worked with him on a number of occasions, his great talent always shone through and his self-deprecating sense of humour made the experience even more pleasurable.’

Stevie Wonder

‘George is in the category of many of us who have been blessed with the gift of music.’

Adele

‘I found him to be one of the truest icons, because famous people often create this massive bravado to protect themselves, but for him it wasn’t based on a look or an assumption.’

Linda Evangelista

‘One of my favourite times with Georgie was seeing Prince in concert in London — from the sound booth — and dancing the entire time! Georgie was a dazzling and compassionate soul who I will always remember as he was on the day when we met: with a precocious smile and sense of adventure. Thank you for the love, Georgie.’

Tracey Emin

‘There are certain songs that you could ask just George to sing and it would make people cry, just the resonance of his voice.’

GEORGE MICHAEL IN THREE WORDS

Sam Smith

‘For me, he was a megastar, but he was so human. I love that about him… In interviews he would say the wrong things but he was so flawed in such a beautiful way… He sent me flowers once… and I cried my eyes out.’

Whitney Houston

‘George Michael five or six, seven years on from… Wham!, was totally different. He grew up and became this phenomenon that talked about things that people really want to talk about.’

Robbie Williams

‘I was equal parts inspired and terrified, not of George, but of the prospect of trying to be something like George… When he arrived on stage, whether it be rehearsing or doing the actual performance, you were in the presence of such a magnetic personality, such charisma… And of course, his music will last for ever. His music is eternal. He inspired in a lot of different ways. I just thought he was a god.’

Mariah Carey

‘I was looking at him, [and thinking], “Wow that would be the ultimate goal, if I could do what he is doing”.’

Mark Ronson

‘When you hear something like [Freedom ’90], you know that his music is going to continue to mean something to people for as long as it’s heard.’

Naomi Campbell

‘The man with the golden, angelic voice.’

Mary J. Blige

‘George Michael’s voice was always very soulful, and very warm and sultry and urgent. He had soul. Period.’

Cindy Crawford

‘His bravery inspired us all.’

Martin Kemp

‘George was one of the world’s nicest people you could ever want to meet. He was so generous, not just financially with his friends, but emotionally. And he would sit and listen and you could talk to him for hours about anything or anyone. He was the most caring person… we miss him so much.’

Elton John

‘The kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist.’

Source: Christies.com

The George Michael Collection

comes to Christie’s.


Over 200 works from the legendary recording artist’s private collection, including iconic pieces by the leading YBA artists, to be offered across a flagship live auction in London on 14 March, and a special online sale — with proceeds used to continue George Michael’s philanthropic work

Singer, songwriter and creative icon, George Michael was one of the most influential recording artists of all time. Across a stellar 35-year career, which began with Wham! in the early 1980s and flourished with a string of era-defining solo hits, he sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, packed stadiums and arenas from Tokyo to Tampa, and won scores of major awards, redefining pop music in the process.

In addition to writing, producing and performing a songbook of classic tracks — Careless Whisper, Last Christmas, A Different Corner, Faith, Praying for Time, Freedom ’90, Fastlove, and Jesus to a Child, to name just a few, George Michael’s standing in the music world is reflected by the calibre of artists who sought to work with him: Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett and Luciano Pavarotti being among those he recorded or duetted with.

George Michael won three Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter of the Year (1985, 1989 and 1996) — the only individual to win the accolade on three occasions, and in 2004 was named by the Radio Academy as the most played artist on British radio over the previous 20 years.

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A new message from George’s family

Hi everyone, “Lovelies”, and all Yog’s loyal fans worldwide. This year has flown by, although some days it doesn’t feel much like it…. but luckily the sweeter memories are always there for us all as well – we know you’ll have special ones of your own…. for our family and friends, life continues to have almost daily reminders of him, in one form or another….
We have all tried to ‘pay it forward’ this year in the form of good deeds, and kindnesses, as we know many of you have too, which we are really proud of, and encouraged by.
In the face of disappointments, feeling that good people are doing only their best out in the world, in Yog’s name is really heartening….

Thanks to all of you for your continued support,
it means so much to us, and we remind you once again whilst together with family & friends, during your celebrations, to say your
“I love you’s”
We love and remember him

Merry Christmas to you all
Wishing you all every happiness for the coming year
Take care…. Melanie, Yioda, Jack & David

We are very excited about a couple of the first ever official projects to come in the following years, don’t worry, we’ll let you know what they are and when they’ll arrive….

Thank you for your Patience

Source: georgemichael.com