George Michael’s legacy is still celebrated today by countless fans across the world. Since his debut in the musical duo Wham!, Michael went on to sell over 120 million records world-wide and was awarded three Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, six Ivor Novello Awards, three American Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards during his lifetime. In addition to his string of catchy hits, he is remembered for his dedication to a multitude of charities and frequently campaigned for LGBT rights. The Houston Symphony plays this pop culture icon’s greatest songs alongside Netflix star Juan Pablo Di Pace’s vocal covers to honor his impact on music on Saturday, July 14 with The Music of George Michael in Jones Hall. In preparation for fun and fabulous event, here are 5 covers of some of Michael’s greatest hits.
1) “Father Figure” – Sam Smith
This English singer-songwriter paid tribute to the late George Micheal with his cover of the Billboard 100 no. 1 single “Father Figure,” from Michael’s debut album. The song was also the first of Michael’s work to make it into the top ten singles in his home country of the United Kingdom. Smith’s soulful vocals add a certain twang to the cover that is perfect homage to Michael.
2) “Last Christmas” – Ariana Grande
The pop sensation and power vocalist Ariana Grande covered the classic tune of winter time “Last Christmas” released by Wham! in 1984. Wham! donated the royalties of this song, written and produced by Michael, to aid the famine that was devastating Ethiopia. Covered by hundreds of artists since its release, “Last Christmas” continues to come back into the music charts every year.
3) ”Careless Whisper” – Postmodern Jukebox
This pop ballad features the talents of Steve Gregory in the iconic saxophone solo that is recognized by audiences across the globe. “Careless Whisper” was Michael’s first solo single and reached No. 1 in almost 25 countries. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox puts a ragtime twist on the classic.
4) “Freedom! 90” – The Bellas from Pitch Perfect
The film series famous for its mashups and a capella arrangments covered the 1990 single that Michael wrote while reflecting on the pressures of being a celebrity. One of his most upbeat releases, Michael performed the song at the closing ceremony of 2012 London Olympics.
5) ”One More Try” – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey paid an emotional tribute to Michael when she covered “One More Try” for her 2014 album, Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse. Carey shared her sadness at Michael’s passing in a note she left on her website: “He changed music and his music changed lives. We’ll continue to mourn the loss of an incredible artist and friend but his music will keep us smiling and dancing, forever.”
https://www.facebook.com/mariahcarey/videos/10155152350647766/?t=2
Don’t miss the Houston Symphony’s tribute to the pop superstar on July 14 as they present The Music of George Michael. Tickets and information available on houstonsymphony.org.
