Almost 4 years ago, on December 25, 2016, Mr. George Michael was found dead at his home in Goring-on-Thames.
I didn’t cry when I heard the news. At least not from the outside.
But at the same time, I felt a deep sadness and melancholy, that stayed with me for the rest of that very day.
You see, George, for a long time, had been a role model for me as a singer.
He was just a brilliant vocalist, a talented musician, and a gorgeous performer (though he hated touring like nothing else).
And while his own father would rather see little George take over the family’s Greek restaurant…
His natural voice was so stunning…there was simply no other way…than to become a highly-acclaimed pop star.
Many other singers tried to copy his style. Yet no one even came close.
And here’s why…
George Michael had just a pure natural voice with the given ability to switch from a light, breathy…into a full, vigorous voice.
And while doing this…he kept an unprecedented sound smooth as butter…as well as a rock-solid intonation. In fact, I never heard him sing off-key. And you can bet, I listened to a lot of George Michael live.
But there’s more…
He made no shifts, no awkward modulations…he just sang with ONE voice.
That IS the ultimate goal when learning to sing. And you can pin that on the back of your mind…and never forget.
And even the best part…
Georgios was everything but a blunt copy-cat singer.
Every song he took, that wasn’t originally written by him, he created his own version.
If you don’t believe me…listen to “Somebody to love” or “Roxanne”.
I mean, I also liked the original version by Queen and The Police. But boy, what Georgie cranked out. was just…incredible.
Taking all this into account. It comes with an illogical surprise that… even though he was one of the most unison respected singers in the biz’…
It seems like everyone hates “Last Christmas”
Except me.
I mean, ‘cmon you guys, here we have a song…
That everyone and his brother can sing off by heart…
Is played every year over and over again, just as sure as the sky is blue…
Has been sold 1.9 million times and counting…
And will probably continue to be played for the next 20.000 years or so.
Now, look me straight in the eye and tell me that you really think Last Christmas suks.
Me thinks this song is fuckin’ ingenious.
And the sad fact that Georgie boy passed away exactly one day after Christmas eve…is a spooky still valid proof that maybe it was the ‘Song of his Life’.
If what I tell you sounds complete bonkers to you…
I invite you to take a few minutes of your precious time…to listen to the golden voice of this legendary singer.
Don’t know where to start?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46YZ8evUfKk
This footage shows his rehearsal of ‘Somebody to love’ just hours before he performed it live at the Freddie Mercury Tribute.
It’s just so good…
Bless ya
Felix Cerny