George Michael, the iconic singer-songwriter who began topping charts in the 1980s as part of the pop duo Wham!, died on Christmas Day of heart failure in his home.
The interview resulted in a written response from none other than legendary singer/actor/Oscar-winner Frank Sinatra, then 74 years old, in a letter published by the newspaper.
"I don't understand a guy who lives 'in hopes of reducing the strain of his
celebrity status,'" Sinatra wrote. "And now that he's a smash songwriter at 27
he wants to quit doing what tons of gifted youngsters all over the world would
shoot grandma for - just one crack at what he's complaining about."Sinatra, who himself became famous in his 20s when he joined Tommy Dorsey's chart-topping band in the 1940s before striking off on his own and cementing himself as a legendary figure in entertainment, also offered the young Michael a bit of advice.
"Come on, George. Loosen up. Swing, man," the veteran singer wrote. "Talent
must not be wasted. Those who have it - and you obviously do or today's Calendar
cover would have been about Rudy Vallee - those who have talent must hug it,
embrace it, nurture it and share it . . . Trust me. I've been there." www.miamireviewnews.com
