As the history of popular music develops, one fact shines through: talent wins. You can't cheat and survive for any length of time. You can't hype and fool people more than once. You can't hide behind image makers, or alluring videos, or the cut of this season's clothes. Or you can - but then you die. To survive you must evolve, improve, have faith, still thrill. Longevity depends on making the best music.

George Michael has never thought of popular music as a career: it's far more personal - more precious - than that. But he has always taken the long-term view, that ultimately an artist's achievement will not be judged in terms of number one singles, or magazine covers, or prestigious awards, but by a large body of work, a collection of albums over time, a lifetime's development in an artform that no longer depends on shock or rebellion or the quick burn-out to make a mark.

In 25 years, and at 42 years of age, George Michael can already look back on more than 80 million record sales worldwide. He's notched up six US No.1 singles from his debut album, eleven British No.1 singles and six No.1 albums to date. He has also played at some of the biggest and most important concerts in history (Live Aid, the Nelson Mandela Freedom Concert, the Freddie Mercury Tribute), all in front of capacity audiences at Wembley Stadium and in front of many millions watching throughout the world. But that was the beginning, an early phase or two.

George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on 25 June 1963 in North London, and went on to meet his future Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley at a nearby comprehensive school. They formed their first band, The Executive, in 1981, but soon realised their chosen path lay as a duo: Wham! was born.

Within a year they had released their classic debut single, 'Wham Rap', but it was their second single, 'Young Guns (Go For It!)' which became the first in a string of Top 10 hits.

In the summer of 1984 George unveiled a glimpse of what was to come by releasing the classic 'Careless Whisper'. His first solo single while still with Wham! became one of the signatures of the Eighties and one of the most-played radio songs of the decade. It was written when he was still only 17.

His growing maturity was further established with the release of 'A Different Corner', his second solo single, and another mature ballad of lasting worth. A few months later George and Andrew decided that Wham! should disband while still at the very peak of their success. This announcement was followed by a unique final concert at Wembley, an emotional farewell in front of 72,000.


By September 1990 George had gathered together a new body of work - 'Listen Without Prejudice: Vol.1' - and another new direction was visible from the first single, 'Praying For Time'. Much of the album had a raw, stripped-down feel, and drew heavily from classic Sixties tracks, black rhythm and jazz moods. Mostly they were personal, increasingly philosophical songs; once again they went against the prevailing chart trends.

On 24th November 1997, his former record label Epic released 'If You Were There' - the long-awaited collection of Wham's Greatest Hits and on 1st December Virgin Records released a limited edition version of George's "Older" album which contained a bonus disc of 6 remixed tracks entitled 'Upper'. The 'Upper' CD is exclusive in that it includes interactive elements, allowing fans access to George's web site, videos and fan club through the internet.

In 1998 'Ladies and Gentlemen - The Best of George Michael' was released on Epic Records as agreed in the Sony settlement in 1995. The album soared to the top of the charts in the week of its release, 9th November, and remained at Number 1 for eight weeks, selling over 2 million copies, during the notoriously competitive Christmas period.

The album features songs from every era of Michael's career from 'Careless Whisper' to the three brilliant brand new tracks. 'Outside' was released on 19th October 1998 with an accompanying video that had George Michael's controversial stamp very clearly on it.

The end of 1998 brought George Michael more accolades. 'Ladies and Gentlemen' shot straight to number one (and is now eight times platinum) in the UK. The album also reached number one on the combined European Album Chart. Michael also topped the polls of the 95.8 Capital FM Hall of Fame for a record eighth time. On 5th December 1998 a 1 hour Parkinson special was screened on BBC 1 to universal critical and public acclaim.

On 8th March 1999, George Michael released 'As' a duet with R 'n' B Diva Mary J Blige, written and originally released by Stevie Wonder on his 'Songs in the Key Of Life' album.

Early October saw George Michael back on stage. He gave a rare live performance at Wembley Stadium for the NetAid benefit concert. For many this was the highlight of the evening as a full gospel choir and 20 dancers joined Michael for songs including 'Father Figure' and a moving rendition of 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime'. The set opened with the recreation of the 'Fastlove' video as Michael appeared seated in the famous black leather chair with in-built speakers and closed with the 70,000 strong Wembley Stadium audience singing backing vocals for 'Freedom 90'.

As the 20th Century came to a close George Michael released his fourth solo album which featured songs written by some of the greatest composers of the last 100 years. This retrospective collection released on Virgin Records includes tracks such as: 'Roxanne' written by Sting, 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' written by Ewan MacColl and the Frank Sinatra classic 'Where Or When' written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Each of the 11 tracks have been co-produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and George Michael. This commemorative collection peaked at Number 2 in the UK album charts. Being the only George Michael/Wham! album not to hit the top spot.

In June of 2000, George released yet another collaboration, 'If I Told You That' with Pop Diva Whitney Houston.

March 2003 saw the release of George's first solo single since 1998. A hard hitting up tempo number in the form of 'FREEEK!'.

'FREEEK!' was swiftly followed by the extremely controvertial 'Shoot The Dog' in May of 2004. George strongly airing his views regarding the then current situation in the middle east. 'Shoot The Dog' started out as an eyebrow raiser for many. However, it soon became clear that George's passion was to become quite relevent in the months that followed, with much of the UK and the USA standing against the invasion of Iraq, with little effect.

In February of 2004, with much anticipation from fans, George releases the first single to be released from his forthcoming album 'Patience'.

After 8 years in the making, in March of 2004, George releases his fourth solo studio album in the form of 'Patience'. The much anticipated album instantly hitting the number one spot in the UK and various other countries in it's first week of release.

June 2004 saw the release of the up tempo dance track 'Flawless'. Originally recorded by 'The Ones'. George decided to put his own feel on the track. Much of 'The Ones' version being instrumental, George reworked the track into a fully fledged song.

In November of 2004, George releases the third single to be taken off the album, in the form of 'Round Here'. 'Round Here' depicting his life in song. Telling the story of his early days through to present day.