George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’ to be Re-Released as 40th Anniversary EP
George Michael’s estate has announced a re-release of ‘Careless Whisper’ to mark its 40th anniversary. Released in 1984, ‘Careless Whisper’ quickly became a hit, topping charts in 25 countries. The song is certified seven times Platinum in the United States and has sold over 1.5 million copies in the United Kingdom.
To celebrate the milestone, George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music are releasing a new EP that includes a previously unreleased live recording of the song from a 2008 performance at Madison Square Garden, marking Michael’s first show in New York City after a 17-year break.
The ‘Careless Whisper EP’ will feature newly mastered versions of the original single, as well as an extended mix and instrumental. The EP will be available in both digital and physical formats from 18th October. The release is a tribute to the support and love from George Michael’s fans worldwide.
The track was written by George Michael and his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley when they were just 17. Alongside the announcement, Michael’s official social media account shared a clip of him recalling the song’s origin.
Michael remembered discussing the song with Ridgeley while they were walking home from school, having recently completed ‘Careless Whisper’ in a basement flat in Peckham. He mentioned his early confidence in the track, believing it would be a Number One hit, though he wasn’t sure if it would be performed by them or someone else.
Michael also reflected on his journey, noting that it took several albums before he fully recognized his abilities as both a singer and a songwriter.
George Michael passed away on Christmas Day 2016 at the age of 53. In December, Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ reached the Number One spot on the UK singles chart for the first time, 39 years after its original release.
Last year, Michael was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Miguel, Adam Levine, and Carrie Underwood paying tribute by performing covers of his biggest hits, including ‘Careless Whisper,’ which Miguel performed.
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Earlier this year, the Royal Mint honoured Michael with a new coin as part of their Music Legends series, celebrating iconic British performers.
In other news, one of Michael’s jackets was auctioned off last November among over 200 pieces of music memorabilia. The La Rocka! jacket, worn by Michael in the music video for ‘I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)’ with Aretha Franklin, sold for £93,750, including the buyer’s premium.
–Silviya.Y
