Released in 1984, “Careless Whisper” and its heady saxophone continue to accompany languorous slow songs and heartaches today. A standard that has survived its author and performer, George Michael, celebrated with the release of a new single, presenting it in several versions. David Austin, long-time friend and former manager of the late Wham! leader, shares his memories with the editorial staff, with sincerity and emotion.
The old blows keep coming for people who lived in the 80s. A decade marked by the first successes of George Michael, then still in the duo Wham!, it saw the release of many classics that are still relevant forty years later. This is the case of “Careless Whisper”, a timeless hit whose influence goes well beyond the fans who experienced its release. “It’s amazing how much this song has reached a completely different demographic,” wonders David Austin, former manager and long-time friend of George Michael. “We find it on TikTok and other platforms used by Generation Z. Young people have managed to make it their own.” An appropriation which does not fail to amuse him: “They know the theme played on the saxophone, but sometimes don't know its title. Some imagine that the piece is called 'Tonight the music seems so loud'!”
“Careless Whisper” is featured on Wham!’s second album, Make It Big, but enters the duo's repertoire from their very first demo. If the two artists and their team did not release it immediately, they were aware of its potential: “Dick Leahy, Wham!'s agent and George's mentor, loved the song from the moment he heard the first version. Even listening to the demo, we knew how it should sound.” George Michael knew it too, which is why the first recording of the title, produced by Jerry Wexler at Muscle Shoals Studios, did not please him: “He wasn't comfortable with the overly pop aspect, which had lost the R&B side he wanted to infuse into it,” remembers David Austin. He brought it back to Dick Leahy, then the label supported his decision.” George Michael ended up re-recording it and producing it himself.
Perfectionist was a term that could easily be associated with the late singer's work: “George paid particular attention to slight modifications and absolutely wanted to give the best of himself, especially in the writing.” An aspect that has “followed throughout his career.” David Austin particularly remembers how his collaboration with Queen went, when they played together at Wembley Stadium to pay tribute to Freddie Mercury in 1992. “He didn't stop rehearsing with the band. The result on 'Somebody to Love' speaks for itself.” A spirit which is also found in the conditions of his concerts: “He refused to play in many venues. He hated the sound of the O2 Arena in London, for example, remembers David Austin. He preferred Earl’s Court or Wembley Arena.”
Find the rest of this article on “Careless Whisper” in our weekly n°172, available via our online store.
