George Michael tops historic ‘greatest song’ poll four months after dying
A George Michael hit has been named the greatest song of all time.
Careless Whisper, released more than 30 years ago, has been voted the best record ever released by music lovers.
The vote comes four months after the singer’s death, topping the new radio poll.
It knocked John Lennon’s Imagine off the top spot, which had won the poll for the past three years.
The Smooth Radio poll asked listeners to choose the UK’s All Time Top 500 songs – with an incredible 19 George hits making it into the list.
Adele dominated much of the top ten, taking the third and fourth spots, along with Beyonce.
Elton John – who was recently rushed to hospital with a potentially fatal condition – also did well, matching George Michael with 19 songs in the top 500.
Richard Park, group executive director at Global, who own Smooth Radio, said: “George Michael was one of the biggest talents the world has ever seen and the results of Smooth’s All Time Top 500 confirm that he remains in the nation’s heart now more than ever.
“Together with Smooth’s 5.4 million listeners across the UK, our countdown over the Bank Holiday weekend has been the perfect way to celebrate the life and music of this great man.”
There is bad news for fans who want to re-live his music, however.
A concert at London’s historic Royal Albert Hall has been proposed as a way to remember Michael’s full back catalogue.
Dame Esther Rantzen, a friend of the late star and founder of charity ChildLine, is aiming to arrange the event for this year.
However, family members are reportedly unhappy with the plans.
A source told the Daily Mirror that “make or break” talks are to be held this week in an attempt to broker a deal between event organisers, family members and record company bosses.
“The most important thing about organising this is that the family approve of everything,” the source said.
“Esther and the organisers didn’t want to jump the gun and start making arrangements before they had spoken with them.
“At the moment there is a big possibility it won’t happen because the family aren’t on board.
“The meeting will either make or break plans.”
The family had originally been against a tribute at the Grammy’s, saying that only Adele could perform the dedication.
It comes after fans wanting to pay their respects at his grave were dealt a blow.
The resting spot of the late legend, at Highgate Cemetery in north London, will not be open to fans.
The grave is positioned in a private area of the London resting place, and will not be accessible to the general public.
A tall barrier was placed around the gravestone after the singer’s funeral service on March 29, blocking the space from view.
His burial plot had been purchased years ago, and is next to his late mother.
The star had always intended to be buried next to her, buying the burial plot ready for when the occasion came around.
His March funeral was attended only by close friends and family, with Geri Horner thought to have delivered the eulogy.
The Spice Girl also named her newborn son after the singer, who she called a close friend.
Since his death, dozens of people have opened up about the singer’s extraordinary generosity and anonymous philanthropy, donating millions to good causes without revealing his identity.
