George Michael: A Life

Gavin (Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne) chronicles the rise of pop megastar George Michael (1963–2016) from humble second-generation Greek Cypriot immigrant in working-class London, where he recorded his first song at age 10, to his success as part of the ’80s pop duo Wham!, which launched Michael to worldwide fame and fortune. Michael’s vocal and songwriting talents and desire to be taken seriously for his craft are showcased here alongside his notoriously controlling persona regarding artistic decisions; these are counterbalanced by his extraordinary generosity to charities and individuals in need. A fierce rivalry, tinged with admiration, for Elton John and diverse friendships with others, including Princess Diana, recur throughout. A “will he or won’t he” thread about Michael’s coming out as a gay man adds suspense, contextualized by interviews with Michael’s collaborators, family, agents, managers, and recording executives.