The Farr Side: George Michael still leads over Rock Hall nominees

In just a few short weeks, we will learn who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023. The anticipation can sometimes be overwhelming for us diehard music lovers waiting to see who made the cut.

I can’t think of a more inclusive group of nominees than this year’s nominated artists. It’s actually pretty cool to me because this list just goes to show just how diverse rock and roll music is when put into perspective.

This list of nominees includes: A Tribe Called Quest, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden, The Spinners, The White Stripes and Warren Zevon.

See what I mean about diversity? Usually just five or six from the nominated lists each year make it into the Rock Hall. I know who would go in if it were up to me. I don’t have any special powers to make that happen, but I can vote in the Fan Vote at rockhall.com. Casting a ballot can help one of your favorites, though. George Michael is currently in the lead with nearly half a million votes cast. Cyndi Lauper is a close second.

I’m still amazed at just how many people don’t truly understand what is rock 'n' roll. It’s a genre that encompasses just about all other forms of music from gospel and R&B to folk, early country and popular music formats. It’s continually evolving and is shaped by trends, styles and new sounds.

Pop music stars get a bad rap sometimes when it comes to the Rock Hall. People are quick to say “they” aren’t rock enough. Well, those people would be wrong. A quick trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would quickly extinguish those thoughts.

Singer George Michael is definitely one of the artists from the '80s who deserves to see his name enshrined among the greats. He is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time with album sales exceeding $125 million. He placed eight singles atop the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoyed having the No. 1 song of the year not once, but twice. “Careless Whisper” was the No. 1 song of 1985 and “Faith” was the top song of 1988.

George got his start as part of Wham! with Andrew Rigeley. The duo released three albums between 1982 and 1986 before George went solo. I find it necessary to say that Wham’s “Make It Big” album was a colossal success in 1985, producing four Top 5 singles, including three No. 1s: “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper” and “Everything She Wants.” 

His Rock Hall nomination doesn’t really take his Wham! career into account. It’s based solely on his solo work. “Careless Whisper” was technically George’s first solo effort, but the song was included on the Wham! album.

“A Different Corner” was the first single to emerge from the British superstar. The song was an instant hit. His next effort was a duet with nonother than Aretha Franklin. The two powerhouses recorded “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me” and took it all the way to No. 1. Both “A Different Corner” and “I Knew You Were Waiting” are all-time faves for me.

George’s first solo album, “Faith,” was a major game-changer. The album came out in 1987 and quickly rose to No. 1 on the album charts for 12 weeks. The singles were massive including 4 No. 1’s “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try” and “Monkey,” while “I Want Your Sex” peaked at No. 2 and “Kissing A Fool” No. 4.

George’s videos were just as iconic as the songs were. His image, style and sound were emulated by several other artists, but one thing was different. George’s incredible voice was in a class all to his own.

Several more hit albums and singles followed including “Freedom 90,” “Praying For Time,” “Jesus To A Child,” “Amazing,” “Fast Love,” “Somebody To Love” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” to name just a few.

If you’ve never had a chance to listen to his album “Symphonica,” please do so. I feel it is some of his best work. His take on “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is spectacular.

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com. 

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: George Michael still leads over Rock Hall nominees