George Michael: A Life

By James Gavin and James Gavin

Book Overview

The Definitive Portrait of a Pop Revolutionary

Before the superstars of today claimed their agency, George Michael fought for his.

He was the golden boy of the MTV era who became a soulful rebel. From the sun-drenched pop of Wham to the sophisticated, chart-topping heights of Faith and Older, George Michael didn't just dominate the airwaves--he redefined what it meant to be a global celebrity.

This intimate biography from acclaimed music biographer James Gavin explores the man behind the aviators, tracing his journey from a shy North London boy named Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou to a boundary-breaking icon who sold over 100 million albums.

Why this story matters now:

The Price of Perfection: A deep dive into his legendary perfectionism and the high-stakes legal battle with Sony that changed the music industry forever.Identity & Integrity: An honest look at his struggle with fame, his courageous journey toward living authentically as a gay man, and his quiet, unparalleled generosity.The Musical Legacy: Fresh insights into his songwriting process--how he blended funk, soul, and pop to create a timeless soundscape.

Through extensive research and interviews, George Michael: A Life captures the dualities of a man who was both a flamboyant showman and a deeply private soul. It is a celebratory, poignant, and essential read for anyone who has ever found solace in his lyrics.

"I want to leave something as a writer...that will survive." --George Michael

"Gavin's engrossing biography of the singer takes the measure of a gifted, tragic, and infuriating man" (New York Times Book Review).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1419768352
• ISBN13: 9781419768354
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.5" x 8.2"