George Michael’s net worth is an estimated $200 million. With hits “Careless Whisper,” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” this multi-awarded music legend had established a name and fame in the music industry. The details about the source of his wealth and musical journey are enumerated below.
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Where did George Michael get His Money?
Being a brilliant singer, record producer, and songwriter, he got his wealth mainly as a pop singer. He started as a member of the duo Wham! and later pursued a solo career. With multiple hits and awards under his belt, George Michael has solidified his place in the music industry.
Wham!
Michael and Andrew Ridgely formed a band duo in 1981, releasing the album “Fantastic” in 1983 which became a hit on the UK charts. Also topping the US charts is the popular single “Wham Rap!” “Young Guns,” and “Club Tropicana.”
The follow-up release, “Make It Big,” became a huge success worldwide, topping the Billboard charts with songs such as “Everything She Wants,” “Careless Whisper,” “Freedom,” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”
This was Michael’s first attempt at a solo career, represented by these singles. “Last Christmas” was released in December 1985 and it was when Michael received notable awards – three Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter of the Year.
Wham! Toured China and was able to play their songs despite other bands being forbidden to play similar kinds of music. In a BBC article, Chinese audiences were astonished and enjoyed Wham!’s performance because it was new, fun, and refreshing from their usual music.
Police were the least happy audience, fearing that people would go wild and start riots. The duo was able to break cultural barriers and their footprints were cemented in the music industry.
All great things must come to an end, but not Michael’s music career. Before disbanding in 1986, Wham! released a hit single “The Edge of Heaven” followed by a compilation album “The Final.” After touring and live concerts, it was time for Michael’s spotlight as a solo artist.
Having sold over 30 million units, Wham! ended on a high note and Michael started his journey to becoming one of the greatest solo artists in history.
Career as a Solo Artist
Michael pursued a career as a solo artist but released a song collaboration with his favorite artist Aretha Franklin entitled “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” which they got a Grammy Award in the category ‘Best R&B Performance – Duo or Group with Vocal.’
Faith (1987)
Later on, Michael released his debut album “Faith.” This album was an instant commercial success, selling more than 25 million units worldwide.
It featured hits such as “I Want Your Sex,” “One More Try,” “Faith,” and “Father Figure.” The album is a certified diamond by the RIAA for selling 10 million units in the US alone.
He began touring worldwide, playing with Aretha Franklin in her concerts. He began bagging multiple awards at the peak of his success, but he wasn’t too happy with it.
According to Empire’s review of Michael’s film “A Different Story,” Michael got so drained and lonely that he told his record company not to make extensive promotions for his next album.
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990)
Michael’s second album, “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1,” topping the UK Album Charts. The album contained the hits “Praying for Time,” “Waiting For That Day,” and “Freedom! ’90.”
“Praying For Time” was about the present social and political situation, and it topped the US and UK charts. The song was followed by “Waiting For That Day,” which was mostly acoustic.
He refused to participate in this album’s music videos. Around eight million copies of “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” were sold worldwide.
Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael (1998)
Michael’s first greatest hits album “Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael” was released in 1998 and it featured all his past singles from Wham! And his solo career. The album became a commercial success, selling more than 15 million units worldwide.
He also released an album entitled “Songs from the Last Century” in 1999 which contains song covers.
Other Ventures
Collaboration, live shows, and television appearances were mainly what kept George Michael in the public eye. Working With Whitney Houston’s “If I Told You That” which he co-produced alongside Rodney Jenkins.
In 2005, He joined Paul McCartney in the Live8 Concert, singing “Drive My Car.” He also continued releasing albums, which were “Patience,” and “Twenty-Five.”
Fact About George Michael
Over the years, Michael became a dependable and charitable supporter. He gave his time and money to concerts for charity, helping those affected by famine, campaigning to spread HIV awareness, and other good causes.
There were many more acts of kindness that only came to light after his death in 2006. According to NPR, he kept his philanthropy hidden from the public eye but would help people whenever he could.
Conclusion
George Michael’s net worth is $200 million as of 2022. This includes his assets, property, and earnings from his successful music career.
Hit albums with Wham! and as a solo artist, plus successful collaborations made him one of the richest and multi-awarded singers in the music industry. He was also known for his acts of charity and philanthropy, which only adds to his legacy.
George Michael Featured Image by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rorals/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
