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In 1981, a teenage George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley formed the duo band Wham!. They released their first album, "Fantastic", in 1983 where it reached #1 in the United Kingdom and spawned hits, "Young Guns", "Wham Rap!" and "Club Tropicana". In 1984, the duo released "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", a pop anthem that was "the best elements of Fifties and Sixties records, combined with Wham!'s attitude and their approach" according to George Michael. It became their first American and UK number-one hit.
1984 also brought us some Christmas cheer with the release of their hit, "Last Christmas". Wham! donated all of their "Last Christmas" royalties to the Ethiopian famine along with the other bands in the charity super-group known as "Band Aid"
In 1987, George Michael began his solo career with a duet with R&B legend, Aretha Franklin. The song titled "I Knew You Were Waiting" became a number one hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Becoming one of his most iconic songs, "Faith" was released on October of 1987, holding the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a month. "Faith" incorporates the famous Bo Diddley beat, a classic rock and roll rhythm along with a music video featuring a cowboy-boot wearing, stubbled George Michael.
The last song on our list is the 1990 hit, "Praying for Time". George Michael's first song in nearly two years, it was said to be a reflection of social ills and injustice. The song became his ninth number one in the United States and the last solo single of his to reach number one in the U.S.
George Michael have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and his debut solo album, "Faith", sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Garnering multiple number one singles across the world, including "Careless Whisper" and "Freedom! '90", he ranks among the best-selling British acts of all time, ranked by Billboard magazine as the 40th-most successful artist ever. Michael won various music awards throughout his 30-year career, including three Brit Awards-he won Best British Male twice, four MTV Video Music Awards, four Ivor Novello Awards, three American Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards from eight nominations. Michael, who was gay, was an active LGBT rights campaigner and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser as well.

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Photos: Stars Walk the Yellow Carpet on Opening Night of THE WIZ on Broadway


The Wiz officially opened at the Marquis Theatre and the best of broadway was on hand for the celebration. Check out photos of special guests, including original stars Stephanie Mills and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Andy Cohen, Tamron Hall,  Leslie Uggams, and many more!

Photos: THE WIZ Cast and Creative Team Walk the Yellow Carpet on Opening Night


The talk of the town last night was The Wiz, which officially opened at the Marquis Theatre following months touring the country. The cast and creative team walked the red yellow carpet before the curtain went up and BroadwayWorld was there for the festivities.

Varla Jean Merman To Play Catalina Jazz Club This Month


Drag icon and award-winning singer and comedienne Varla Jean Merman is set to bring her new show Stand By Your Drag to Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood for one show only on Tuesday, April 23, at 8:30pm, it was announced by Catalina and Chris Isaacson Presents.

THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE to Play Oscar's Palm Springs & Catalina Jazz Club This Month


The Winehouse Experience, starring acclaimed singer Mia Karter, paying musical tribute to Grammy Award-winning singer Amy Winehouse, has been set for Oscar's Palm Springs on Wednesday, April 17, at 7pm, and Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Sunday, April 21, at 7:30pm, it was announced by Chris Isaacson Presents, Oscar's, and Catalina.

THE SONGS OF ELTON & GEORGE Comes to Melbourne and Sydney


In a celebration of two iconic musical legends, Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell join forces with John Foreman and the Australian Pops Orchestra to present a spectacular concert featuring the timeless hits of Elton John and George Michael.

Video: Amber Ruffin Talks THE WIZ Cast's Talent and More on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MYERS


Previews are now underway for The Wiz on Broadway, which began on March 29. Amber Ruffin, who provided additional material for the book of the anticipated revival, chatted with her old friend Seth Myers on Late Night With Seth Myers, all about the musical. Check out the video here!

THE WIZ Will Offer Digital Lottery and Rush Tickets


The Wiz will launch a $45 digital lottery and $45 in-person rush tickets beginning this week. The musical revival began previews  on Friday, March 29 at the Marquis Theatre. Learn more about how to get discount tickets to The Wiz here!

Video: Inside Rehearsal For THE WIZ on Broadway Ahead of its First Preview


All new behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage has been released for the Broadway revival of The Wiz, ahead of its first preview performance this Friday, March 29 at the Marquis Theatre. Check out the video here!

Meet the Cast of THE WIZ, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Wiz is beginning previews on Broadway tonight, March 29, following its pre-Broadway national tour! Meet the cast of The Wiz here!

PRIDE ANTHEMS Musical Experience is Coming to CAPA in June


​​​​​​​Pride Live is partnering with IMG Artists to create Pride Anthems, a new, intimate musical experience that celebrates, inspires, and commemorates the legacy and power of the Stonewall Rebellion. Learn more about the event!

GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN Brings The Legend Back To Life On Stage At Raue Center!


Experience the magic of George Michael's music as Robert Bartko brings the legend back to life on stage at Raue Center in the show GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN.

Review: PUDDLES PITY PARTY, Soho Theatre


Puddles Pity Party returns to Soho Theatre after almost a decade away.

Video: Nichelle Lewis Performs 'Home' From THE WIZ on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW


Nichelle Lewis recently appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she took the stage to perform 'Home' from The Wiz! Lewis plays the role of Dorothy in the musical, which is currently embarking on its pre-Broadway tour. Check out the video here!

THE WIZ Concludes Pre-Broadway National Tour at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre


The pre-Broadway National Tour of THE WIZ concluded its run with a sold-out three week stop at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Learn more about the show and see when it's coming to Broadway.

Video: Watch Deborah Cox Perform 'Believe In Yourself' From THE WIZ on THE TALK


As The Wiz lands in Los Angeles prior to its Broadway run, Deborah Cox appeared on The Talk to perform 'Believe in Yourself' from the hit musical. Cox plays Glinda the Good Witch in the 13-city tour of The Wiz. Watch the video of her performance now!

Joe Ruffner Named Executive Director Of Right Angle Entertainment


Right Angle Entertainment has announced veteran live entertainment industry executive Joe Ruffner has been promoted to executive director.

ZHU Unveils New Single 'Thrill Again' Feat. Upsahl


ZHU celebrated the Lunar New Year and the release of “Thrill Again” with a special show at Gin Ling Way in Los Angeles' Chinatown. UPSAHL made a surprise appearance to perform the new single with ZHU. He recorded most of GRACE in his hometown of San Francisco at historic Grace Cathedral.

THE LIFE AND MUSICAL OF GEORGE MICHAEL Comes to the Overture enter


Overture Center presents the brand-new, concert-style show that chronicles the journey George Michael had with music and his fans. The event will take place on February 24. Learn more about the show here!

New York City Children's Theater to Present World Premiere of PINOCCHIO at Theatre Row


New York City Children’s Theater will present the world premiere of PINOCCHIO, a dance/theater production at Theatre Row. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.

bergenPAC Hosts Life and Music Of George Michael With Craig Winberry and Rory Phelan


bergenPAC will present The Life & Music of George Michael on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $105.

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