Did you know that George Michael recorded one of the biggest holiday songs all by himself? George Michael was only 21 years old in 1984, but he knew what he wanted. He played every instrument, sang every part, and even shook the sleigh bells for “Last Christmas.”
This one-person effort was a quiet push for control. George Michael insisted on doing it all, even though he was not well-trained on the keyboard. Engineer Chris Porter said Michael used just “two or three fingers.” The recording session in August 1984 felt like Christmas, too; George had the studio decorated to set the mood. He was showing everyone he could handle the music and production on his own.
George Michael Did EVERYTHING on “Last Christmas” – Andrew Ridgeley Did NOTHING
Fans love this story because it shows George Michael’s genius. The Elvis Duran Show viewers agreed, saying, “He performed, he didn’t even know how to play some of the instruments.” People admire his dedication and talent. The song’s sad and honest feeling about a broken heart is something listeners still connect with every holiday season.
This solo victory with “Last Christmas” was significant. It happened right after his solo song, “Careless Whisper,” was released, making it clear he was moving forward. Now, decades later, “Last Christmas” is more popular than ever. It has become a mandatory part of the holiday season, still trending every single year.
Wham! – Last Christmas (Official Video)
It finally hit Number 1 in the UK in 2021. It made history by staying at Christmas Number 1 for two years in a row (2023 and 2024). Even young fans love it, thanks to the movie Last Christmas and the funny social media game, Whamageddon. The song is always on the charts, with over 5 billion streams.
The song is also covered by massive stars like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande. This proves its simple, sad melody works for everyone, no matter the music style. It shows that George Michael’s song is a true classic. Follow Wham! and George Michael on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to keep the holiday spirit alive.