GEORGE MICHAEL A Life

Paul Bellantoni's resonant, empathetic performance leaves nothing to be desired in this revealing, often touching biography of pop music giant George Michael. The vocal tone Bellantoni adopts is restrained and sometimes somber, an approach that sounds right, considering the outsized pathos generated by Michael's charismatic, erotic, tortured life. There's no need to add more drama to this story! Michael didn't handle his celebrity status well. In this thoughtful, meticulously researched biography, award-winning music author James Gavin offers compelling insights into Michael's conflicts about being gay and his all-too-public descent into the typical excesses of stardom--sexual acting out, substance abuse, and self-imposed legal and health problems. The audiobook includes analysis of Michael's artistic output and revealing interviews with many who knew him. T.W. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2022]