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In 1984, George Michael was asked to write a song for Aretha Franklin. He declined, saying he was too busy with Wham at the time.
Truth be told, however, he was also pretty nervous about the whole idea. Aretha was one of his favorite artists, and he felt unworthy of the honor (a bit of imposter syndrome).
But he needn't have worried. A few years later, when Aretha's producer and legendary music guru Clive Davis suggested she should do a duet with George, she was all for it. In fact, she thought his work with Wham was fresh and unique.
George anxiously accepted the invitation.
He did not, however, write the song they recorded. "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" was written by Simon Climie and Dennis Morgan, but it didn't matter. When George and Aretha stepped into the studio, magic was made!
The song was already fantastic--and even more so when they were done with it!
When "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" was released as a single from Aretha's 1987 self-titled album, it went straight into the Top 10 in 18 countries...reaching #1
in Australia, Belgium, The Netherlands, Ireland, The UK, and Zimbabwe!
Here at home, it was a FOUR Chart hit: #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, #2 on the Adult contemporary Chart, #5 on the R&B Chart and #12 on the Dance Club Chart!
But wait, there's more!
It was Aretha's first US #1 in 20 years, and her very first #1 in the UK. It was also her biggest hit ever on the Adult Contemporary Chart, and she and Michael won the 1987Grammy Award for "Best R&B Performance by Group or Duo with Vocal!"
TRIVIA: Original "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson played bass on the track!
"I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" by Aretha Franklin and George Michael: If you've been waiting for a Great Song of 1986, click here:
Tomorrow: 25 years later, Tracy makes headlines.
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