Careless Whisper is one of the most famous songs of all time, but it had a rocky road.
Careless Whisper was released as a solo song by George Michael. PDO
Iconic Careless Whisper were the first songs that George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley worked together.
In the new Wham!in the documentary Andrew recalls Careless Whisper birth. Before the band had released a single song, George came to visit him one night.
Andrew was currently working on a chord pattern for which George happened to have a suitable melody. George is heard recalling in the documentary how the two had come up with almost the same chord pattern.
The song was not immediately finished, but was continued every now and then. The song was finished when the friends filmed from school.
“I don’t know who will record it or if I’m a good enough singer myself, but it will still go to number one,” George has said.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley wrote Careless Whisper together. a.o.p
The demo was rejected
Wham! recorded a demo of the song. The same cassette also had Club Tropicana chorus. The demo didn’t open the record company’s doors to young people: write hits, was given as feedback.
When Wham! had already caught wind and released his first album, Careless Whisper worked on that side. George Michael traveled to the United States with a renowned producer by Jerry Wexler to record a song.
Careless Whisper recorded in the same studio where Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles had recorded.
When Andrew heard the finished song, he thought it was destroyed. According to him, its soul had completely disappeared. The singing had become mediocre, and George wasn’t happy either.
At first, George Michael didn’t know if he was a good enough singer for Careless Whisper. PDO
George’s vision
It was decided to abandon Wexler’s version and the song was produced by myself. Careless Whisper was completely re-recorded. Ten saxophonists auditioned, before by Steve Gregory choice.
Andrew recalls that it was the second time that George produced a song entirely according to his own vision: the first was Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
In July 1984 Careless Whisper will be published. It was a solo single by George Michael, although both had a hand in the song. According to Andrew, it wasn’t even discussed.
– We always knew there would come a time when Wham! and my own solo career intersect, George had said.
Later From Careless Whisper became a huge hit. It has sold more than six million copies worldwide.
Document Wham! is available to watch on Netflix. See program information for streaming services at Telku.