Between his recognizable earring and the enduring Christmas hit, “Last Christmas,” even those who aren’t fans of George Michael are aware of his lasting impact. Lifelong fans and new listeners alike ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.

MTV was no longer a novelty in 1988: It was the engine driving the music industry, shaping the Billboard charts and molding the very image of a pop star. George Michael realized the depth of this ...