George Michael has been named the UK's most popular music artist with an astonishing 20 entries in Smooth Radio's All Time Top 500 list. His global smash Careless Whisper has been voted the nation's No.1 favourite song for the eighth consecutive year, surpassing legendary acts like The Beatles, David Bowie, and Sir Elton John.
George Michael's Dominance
Despite fierce rivalry from icons such as Sir Elton John and Adele, George Michael claims the top two positions on the chart. His romantic ballad Careless Whisper tops the list, followed by A Different Corner at No.2. Other entries include Father Figure (No.12), Jesus to a Child (No.15), and Fastlove (No.20).
The Story Behind Careless Whisper
The initial concept for Careless Whisper, featuring its iconic saxophone riff performed by session player Steve Gregory, first occurred to George aged 17 while working as a DJ at the Bel Air restaurant near Bushey, Hertfordshire. He was inspired by a girl he met at an ice rink and developed the melody during bus journeys to work. The song's finished version materialised when his friend and musical collaborator Andrew Ridgeley demonstrated a chord progression on his Fender Telecaster. Andrew recalls: "I said working through the chords. He looked at me, a little surprised. 'Oh my God, Andy. That goes perfectly with an idea I've had going round and round in my head!'" The duo created an initial demo in 1981, followed by a second recording for £200. Released as George's solo single in July 1984, it reached number one within a fortnight and became the UK's fifth biggest-selling single of the year.
Top 20 Chart Highlights
The Top 20 list features a mix of classic hits:
- 1. Careless Whisper - George Michael (1984)
- 2. A Different Corner - George Michael (1986)
- 3. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen (1975)
- 4. Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson (1988)
- 5. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel (1970)
- 6. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson (1983)
- 7. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - Elton John & George Michael (1991)
- 8. Human Nature - Michael Jackson (1983)
- 9. Dance With My Father - Luther Vandross (2004)
- 10. Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush (1985)
- 11. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler (1988)
- 12. Father Figure - George Michael (1987)
- 13. Always On My Mind - Elvis Presley (1972)
- 14. Hotel California - Eagles (1976)
- 15. Jesus to a Child - George Michael (1994)
- 16. Dancing Queen - ABBA (1976)
- 17. (Everything I Do) I Do It for You - Bryan Adams (1991)
- 18. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley (1969)
- 19. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston (1992)
- 20. Fastlove - George Michael (1996)
Smooth Radio presenter Kate Garraway commented: "It's fantastic that George Michael's music and legacy shine as brightly as ever. It's a fitting tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time."
