Debbie Gibson and George Michael
The news hit hard. “No… not George!” was the immediate reaction upon hearing of George Michael’s passing. In recent times, the world has lost too many musical icons, each leaving their mark. Yet, the impact of George Michael resonates deeply, perhaps more profoundly than most. His influence, particularly on aspiring musicians and songwriters, is undeniable. This is a reflection on why the music of George Michael, and specifically his incredible catalog of songs, holds such a significant place in the landscape of pop music and personal inspiration.
For a young, budding musician experimenting with a Tascam 4-track recorder in a garage, the world of music production was a vast, uncharted territory. At 13, multi-track recording, sequencers, and splicing tape were tools of exploration, driven purely by the desire to translate the music within into reality. The concept of a “producer” might have been vaguely understood, but the essence of creation was intuitive. Then, Wham! burst onto the scene.
The memory is vivid: arriving home from school, turning on MTV, and being instantly captivated. “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” was, and remains, possibly the catchiest pop song imaginable. For a pop music enthusiast and an aspiring songwriter, it was pure inspiration. A new favorite group was declared to the family, posters claimed their space on the garage studio wall. Amidst the struggle to craft what felt like “hits,” the sophisticated songwriting of “Careless Whisper” emerged as a guiding light. This wasn’t just catchy pop; it was emotionally resonant storytelling through song. The minor key, the haunting melody, the iconic saxophone solo – even the lyrical depth of a title pulled from within the song’s narrative, rather than an obvious hook, were revelations. As teenagers, cultural influences are potent, and George Michael, alongside figures like Madonna, became a pivotal influence during those formative years. His songs weren’t just music; they were lessons in pop songwriting.
Liking Wham! wasn’t always met with universal approval. Teenage social dynamics are fickle. One day, a boy, once an admirer, presented his entire Wham! record collection as a discard, declaring Depeche Mode’s superiority. Yet, the appreciation for Wham!, and more importantly, the sheer talent of George Michael, remained unwavering. The phrase “Written and Produced by…” on those records was a revelation. It illuminated the possibility of artistic autonomy, of channeling music directly, unfiltered. The image of George Michael in the studio – a man, his keyboards, a microphone – was powerful. It fostered the perception of pure, unadulterated musical expression. While engineers were undoubtedly present, the music felt intensely personal, devoid of corporate interference. There was a sense that these songs weren’t focus-group tested; they were authentically George Michael. This realization instilled profound respect and became a personal benchmark for artistic integrity. George Michael’s dedication to his musical vision became a guiding principle in navigating the inevitable compromises of a music career – a commitment to musical purity.
In the early days, George Michael maintained a degree of privacy regarding his personal life. But for fans, it was his essence, his voice, that mattered most. That voice. It possessed a timbre so unique, so instantly recognizable, that even a fleeting fragment blasting from a passing car at high speed was unmistakably his. Ahmet Ertegun, a legendary figure in music, recognized this quality as a hallmark of true greatness – a tone that pierces the soul, leaving an indelible mark, instantly identifiable anywhere. George Michael’s voice, rich and resonant, possessed that unmistakable “thing.” It was the voice that carried countless hits and unforgettable George Michael songs.
At 14, prior to signing with Atlantic Records, a determined call was placed to WPLJ in NYC, vying for Wham! tickets to a Philadelphia concert. A dedicated pop radio and music fan, the persistence paid off: 95th caller! The “Whamtrack to Philly” ensued – a bus trip immersed in Wham! music, contests, and merchandise. Wham! heaven. Amidst the stadium crowd, a strategic position was secured, a call to George Michael in the wings, and a wave in return! A moment recounted endlessly. The concert itself was electrifying. George Michael’s stage presence was captivating – cool, magnetic, and powerful. And that voice – it soared. Chaka Khan as the opening act? A vocal powerhouse. Yet, George Michael followed, effortlessly matching and exceeding the vocal brilliance. Fast forward three years, and the Westwood One Radio Jet transported a now-emerging Debbie Gibson to a backstage meeting with George Michael before another concert. Accompanied by her mother and younger sister, it was a surreal moment. Despite burgeoning pop success, in that moment, she was simply a teenage girl, the one who had won those Wham! tickets, about to meet her idol. Posters adorned bedroom walls were now a reality in person. Nerves were paramount, despite George Michael’s graciousness. He invited them to join him for dinner backstage, effortlessly putting them at ease with his down-to-earth, albeit introverted, demeanor.
George Michael’s career continued to be a source of inspiration, his productions and arrangements constantly studied and admired. Another encounter occurred after a Los Angeles concert, at an after-party hosted by his managers, Michael and Terry Lippman. A house party, a stereo malfunction. An unexpected scene unfolded: assisting George Michael in rewiring the sound system, attempting to revive the music. Buddy Casimano, a longtime dancer and choreographer, still recounts that unforgettable night. Laughter, shared confusion over wiring, and the eventual discovery of a dislodged plug. A musical hero, humanized. That, coupled with a quiet cup of tea in the kitchen with George Michael, became the quintessential Hollywood party.
But ultimately, it always comes back to the music. The outpouring of grief at the loss of such immense talent is a testament to his impact. Yet, within that loss lies the enduring beauty of art – the vulnerability of baring one’s soul, the courage to innovate, and the resilience to weather criticism for simply being true to oneself, both personally and musically. George Michael possessed an exceptional gift for crafting unforgettable hooks, a skill that, paradoxically, drew both admiration and envy. But he persevered, continuing to deliver those hooks, paired with an undeniable physical and vocal perfection. “Faith,” and the subsequent musical evolution, felt like a triumphant response to early critics. The sophistication and integrity of his post-Wham! work silenced naysayers, compelling even the harshest critics to acknowledge his genius. For those who had been fans from the beginning, the journey was vindicated. For those who saw and heard beyond fleeting trends and teen idol imagery, the depth of a timeless musical genius was always apparent. Listening “Without Prejudice,” one could hear the future of pop music unfolding. He was perpetually ahead of the curve.
Rest in Peace, George Michael. The world mourns the absence of your physical presence and the unwritten music that might have been. But your incomparable talent, the indelible grooves etched into our hearts, remain forever a part of the soundtrack of our lives, a testament to the power of George Michael songs.
