George Michael Poem by Paula Glynn

George Michael born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou
On the 25th of June in 1963
Being born in East Finchley, London
His father nicknamed Jack
George Michael going to Roe Green Junior School
And then Kingsbury High School
Having two sisters: Yioda and Melanie
His mother called Lesley
An English dancer, an always brave and life chancer.

Dying on the 25th of December 2016
Sadly passing away on Christmas Day
George Michael at an age of 53 years old
Later to be known for having pneumonia
But a musical star to the world still sold
The ultimate legend to the world
Having sold over 115 million record worldwide
His career with charisma and great pride
Even after the day he died.

George Michael an English
Singer, songwriter and record producer
From the years 1981
The band the famous Wham!
The duo George Michael himself
And band partner Andrew Ridgeley
Albums ‘Fantastic' 1983
Second album ‘Make It Big' 1984
Both albums making Number one
In the UK albums chart
And US Billboard 200
Albums no one to ignore,

Most famous songs being
‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'
And ‘Last Christmas'
A song every generation knows
Including the people of China
Wham! Having a tour there
The year 1985 and a year
Worldwide media coverage
To showcase Wham!
Their musical career
They took control of: did steer

Prior to going solo
George Michael to release
‘A Different Corner' and
‘I Knew You Were Waiting For (Me) '
A duet with Aretha Franklin
The year 1986
The following year to see George Michael
Explode the charts with his album ‘Faith'
In the US Billboard 200 for 12 weeks
Selling 25 million copies worldwide
The bestselling album of all time
With musical hooks
With the man's incredible looks
And lyrics that excellently did rhyme
For George Michael best selling
Music artist in 1988
A year George Michael to be truly great
And a top music star of all time

Success and adoration George Michael did seek
Even having pride and not being weak
In spite of battling drug addiction
Coming out as gay in 1998
To be an active LGBT rights campaigner
And HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser
Not tolerating unacceptable behaviour
From those ignorant

Albums to keep being produced
From ‘Listen Without Prejudice Vol.1' in 1990
A UK number one: an album that smashed the charts
Billboard Hot 100 number one single
‘Praying For Time'
And global smash ‘Freedom ‘90'
A song that needs no words for its importance
George Michael the hit machine
And along came ‘Older' and ‘Patience'
Albums perfection with their melodies and lyrics
Musical genius that was the power house George Michael
George Michael performing Queen's ‘Someone To Love'
At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert' in 1992
Proceeds going to AIDS research
George Michael without greed
Musical ideas being planted in his mind like a seed
Where promotion tours did make him succeed
But still a man who had little greed
Who showcased the major talent that was Queen,
His talent and ambition in music to be seen.

To win many awards, spanning his long running career
His stage performances vibrant and energetic
His vocal performances flawless
Winning two Grammy Awards
Three Brit Awards
Three American Music Awards
Twelve Billboard Music Awards
Four MTV Video Music Awards
Six Ivor Novello Awards
Plus in 2008 to be ranked
40th on Billboards list of the
‘Greatest Hot 100 Artists Of All Time'
And the Radio Academy naming him
Most played artist on British radio
Between 1984 - 2004

Early 2010 George Michael
Performing first concerts
In Australia since 1988
Perth, Burswood Dome
The audience of 15,000
Loving every moment
George Michael to also
Release a number of cover versions
Much to the world's delight
Songs to get radio airing and daylight
A favourite being ‘You And I'
A Stevie Wonder 1972 hit
Even in April 2011 to be remembered

With a number of legal troubles
George Michael all too familiar with
But after 80 hours of community service
And a fine of US $810, he knew better
And to make the music video ‘Outside'
Fans knowing his message
No stranger to drugs
But George Michael did deal with the fallout
Now knowing what it was all about
Sleeping pills replacing their place
But addiction is tricky
And hard for anyone to deal with

George Michael a never ending star
That knew the notes on his guitar
And knew his piano
For he made his music go far
George Michael a legendary star
The world does worship
With outstanding stage work
Outstanding vocals
That can never be repeated
No matter the years that pass
No matter the other stars

So let's celebrate George Michael
And raise up a glass
For George Michael is the ultimate
Performer the world has ever seen
No matter those jealous
No matter those that go green
His charisma easy to see
And the world to feel the love
George Michael forever free.