"Careless Whisper" is one of George Michael's most iconic songs, and there are several interesting facts about the song and the artist:
George Michael was only 17 when he co-wrote the song: He wrote "Careless Whisper" with his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley when they were just teenagers. The songwriting partnership between Michael and Ridgeley was highly successful during their time together.
It wasn't originally a Wham! song: "Careless Whisper" was initially recorded as a solo project by George Michael, with Ridgeley providing backing vocals. It was released as a single credited to "Wham! featuring George Michael" in the UK and "George Michael with Wham!" in the US. This marked the beginning of George Michael's solo career, which would eventually lead to his massive success as a solo artist.
It became a massive hit: "Careless Whisper" was released in 1984 and quickly became a worldwide hit. It reached the number one spot on the charts in over 25 countries, including the United States, where it spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
The iconic saxophone riff: The haunting saxophone riff played by Steve Gregory is one of the most memorable elements of the song. It has become synonymous with the track and is instantly recognizable to music fans.
George Michael's emotional performance: The song's lyrics and George Michael's emotional delivery convey a sense of regret and longing. Many listeners connect with the song's theme of lost love, making it a timeless classic.
Multiple cover versions: "Careless Whisper" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Tamia, Seether, and Postmodern Jukebox, among others. Each rendition puts its unique spin on the song while paying homage to the original.
MTV Video Music Award: The music video for "Careless Whisper" earned George Michael the MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction in a Video in 1985. The video features George Michael in various locations, including a waterfront and a club.
Sales and accolades: The song has sold millions of copies worldwide and has received critical acclaim. It has been included in various "best of" and "greatest songs" lists and remains one of George Michael's signature tracks.
"Careless Whisper" continues to be a beloved and enduring classic in the world of music, and it remains a testament to George Michael's talent as a songwriter and performer.