"Careless Whisper" is one of George Michael's most iconic songs, and there are several interesting facts associated with it:
Songwriting Collaboration: "Careless Whisper" was a collaborative effort between George Michael and his Wham! partner, Andrew Ridgeley. They co-wrote the song when they were just 17 years old. The songwriting process started when they were traveling on a bus together.
Solo Debut: Despite being credited as a Wham! song in many regions, "Careless Whisper" marked the beginning of George Michael's solo career. It was released as a single in 1984 under the name "George Michael featuring Wham!," and it was included in his first solo album, "Make It Big."
Saxophone Solo: The song is famous for its haunting saxophone solo, which was performed by Steve Gregory. This saxophone riff is instantly recognizable and is one of the most memorable elements of the song.
Chart-Topping Success: "Careless Whisper" was a massive hit, topping the charts in over 25 countries. In the United States, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also achieved the same feat in the UK, becoming one of George Michael's three UK No. 1 singles.
Iconic Music Video: The music video for "Careless Whisper" is equally famous. It features George Michael in various locations, including a waterfront, a nightclub, and a studio. The video's aesthetics and Michael's stylish look contributed to its popularity.
Re-Released After Michael's Death: Following George Michael's death on December 25, 2016, "Careless Whisper" saw a resurgence in popularity. It re-entered the charts in several countries, including the UK, where it reached the Top 10 once again.
Covers and Samples: Over the years, "Careless Whisper" has been covered and sampled by numerous artists from various genres, showcasing its enduring influence on popular music.
Grammy Award: The song received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1985.
Enduring Legacy: "Careless Whisper" remains a timeless classic and is often included in lists of the greatest songs of all time. It continues to be played on radio stations and streamed by new generations of music lovers.
Charity Tribute: In 2017, Liam Gallagher, former frontman of Oasis, performed "Careless Whisper" as a tribute to George Michael at the Brit Awards.
"Careless Whisper" is undoubtedly one of George Michael's most enduring and beloved songs, and it continues to captivate audiences around the world.