Hugh Burns, the guitarist on George Michael’s iconic hit “Careless Whisper,” describes the late artist as “unique,” possessing a “natural feel for music that you can’t teach.” As the 40th anniversary edition of the song approaches, Burns shared his experiences recording with Michael, who co-wrote “Careless Whisper” with Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgley when they were just 17.
Originally released in 1984, “Careless Whisper” remains Michael’s most successful single, selling over six million copies worldwide and topping charts in 25 countries. The song marked a significant moment in Michael’s transition to a solo career after his time with Wham!.
Burns, a Scottish musician who had previously played on Wham!’s 1984 hit “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” was invited by the group’s manager, Simon Napier-Bell, to join Michael in the studio. He collaborated with Michael in various locations, including the south of France during the recording of Wham!’s second album, Make It Big.
Burns praised Michael’s exceptional talent, stating, “The thing about George that was exceptional – and I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful singers – is that he had all his ideas in his head.” He noted that Michael often sang his ideas to provide clarity and was meticulous about details, showcasing a remarkable ability to capture the right feel in his music.
Burns emphasized that Michael had “a natural feel for music that you can’t teach,” recalling that his first takes were often flawless, an uncommon feat for any artist. He reflected on a memorable live performance of “Jesus to a Child” outside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin during the 1994 MTV Europe Music Awards, remarking, “Even his live singing was immaculate. That is not an easy song to sing, but he did it live, and it sounded perfect.”
In his 1991 autobiography, BARE, Michael expressed some disdain for “Careless Whisper,” suggesting that it was “not an integral part of my emotional development.” He further elaborated in a 2009 interview with The Big Issue, questioning the song’s lasting impact: “Is it because so many people have cheated on their partners? Is that why they connect with it? I have no idea, but it’s ironic that this song—which has come to define me in some way—should have been written right at the beginning of my career when I was still so young.”
Burns noted that while he never heard Michael speak of the song in such terms, he acknowledged that Michael’s lyrics grew “more sophisticated” as his career progressed. “There’s no doubt about that,” he added. “He really was very unique. His songs and those performances actually stand the test of time, that’s my opinion. I think they hold together very well. There are few artists who can make music that does that.”
The Careless Whisper EP will be released by George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music on October 18.
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