Like many today, I have my George Michael collection on high rotation. Even before the sudden and extremely sad news of his passing, this was not an uncommon occurrence in my house. His musicality, his vocal prowess, his story, an eternal inspiration.
Words such as inspiration, icon, legendary are quite often overused these days in the ever verbose marketing machine. I have nothing to sell here but my truth, so forgive me if I use them in their true context.
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The career of George Michael
From the early success of Wham! to a lucrative solo career, George Michael will go down as one of the most celebrated recording artists ever.
As a creator of music, George Michael was legendary. He had the ability to make you instantly feel, both in his lyrics and musicality. I want to say it's a gift, but that would take away from his passion and extreme talents.
He had crossed genres successfully, from his early Wham! days of classic pop to a more mature adult contemporary sound and even symphonic covers. He had an ever-growing legion of fans and admirers that are cross-generational. I learnt this two years ago through a live album and tour celebrating the music of George Michael. The interest in this outweighed what I could have predicted. This was because of him and his music.
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As a singer, he was inspirational. I am obsessed by vocals. I LOVE singers. The art of vocal production, be it live or in a studio, is an extreme passion. The tonality, musicality and overall sheer ability of George Michael vocally has and will continue to inspire me.
I struggle to think of many others who have the smooth, raw tone that he possessed in his performance. It's a sound that seems almost effortless, a tone and delivery that embodies truth and honesty. He had an incredible range that some may not appreciate due to this effortless nature. That, mixed with an incredible quality in his melodic choices, will never cease to inspire.
George Michael was an icon. I don't profess to know George Michael, and would never want to speculate on his life story. I understand there have been dark times in his life and I can only hope that there was copious amounts of joy among any hardships.
I don't know exactly his struggles with his sexuality, both professionally and with his loved ones, but I can certainly relate. Every child has their struggles with their sexual identity and everyone will have their own story. That struggle is likely escalated for a non-heterosexual child. It's a fact.
My story is different to Michael's, but the path to happiness was certainly made a whole lot easier because of him. My understanding of his struggles with his Greek family, and that of his career, are issues I can relate to. Among the above, he taught me that no one can ever take your music and voice away from you.
The path to acceptance and equality generally speaking is becoming a little easier. We are more educated, aware, accepting of differences, but we still have many more steps to go in making the next story easier.
I am happy in my life, in my career and in my musicality.
RIP and thank you George Michael, I hope there is peace wherever you may be, and perhaps a sexy illuminated dance floor. See you there one day!
He taught me that no one can ever take your music and voice away from you.
Anthony Callea
Anthony Callea is an ARIA Award winning artist. In 2014 he recorded an album of George Michael music in tribute to the star.
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