Pop star George Michael lives in Dallas part time with partner Kenny Goss, and together they own the Goss-Michael Foundation, a world-class art gallery.
But even if Mr. Michael had never stepped foot in Big D before, his concert at American Airlines Center tonight would still be a huge deal. His wildly diverse recordings – for the feet and for the heart – have secured him a place in pop music's pantheon.
Here's a look at the different styles the British artist has mastered since starting with Wham in 1981.
AP
George Michael performs during his 25 Live tour at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last month.
Rump-shakers
"WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO" (with Wham) (1984) The slap-happiest pop song ever written, but it's still undeniable. "Jitterbug"!
"FAITH" (1987) A tune with words and music so unbreakable that even Limp Bizkit could turn it into a hit.
"MONKEY" (1987) No one should have to share his baby with a monkey. It's just not right.
"FREEDOM '90" (1990) Mr. Michael's pièce de résistance as a songwriter – intensely personal lyrics mixed with a soulful, universal groove.
"FASTLOVE" (1996) You'll start out snapping your fingers, and end up dancing on a table. Hey, it happens.
Boot-knockers
"FATHER FIGURE" (1987) The slinky intro, the whispered vocals, the way he says "naked." This song is a sensual seduction.
"I WANT YOUR SEX" (1987) "Sex is natural, sex is good/Not everybody does it, but everybody should." Enough said.
"TOO FUNKY" (1992) The lyrics are anything but subtle: "I've got to see you naked, baby."
"OUTSIDE" (1998) This disco-fabulous song and video poked fun at Michael's infamous restroom encounter in '98 with an LA undercover cop. "And yes, I've been bad!" Tee-hee ...
"FREEEK!" (2002) The pulsing bass line and dial-up-modem sounds let you know what the song's about before the first verse starts.
Slow-burners
"CARELESS WHISPER" (1984) The world swooned over this early solo ballad, and perhaps gave Wham partner Andrew Ridgeley a taste of the future. Eek.
"ONE MORE TRY" (1987) One of his saddest, most soulful songs. He tore this one up.
"KISSING A FOOL" (1987) This smoky torch song was an early indication of Mr. Michael's versatility as a writer and a singer.
"PRAYING FOR TIME" (1990) A brilliant socially conscious song that doesn't resort to melodrama in conveying its message.
"JESUS TO A CHILD" (1995) Mr. Michael sings beautifully about watching a loved one slip away. Listen closely enough and it'll stun you.
Perfect pairings
"I KNEW YOU WERE WAITING (FOR ME)" (with Aretha Franklin) (1987) It takes a lot of courage for a British white boy to sing with the Queen of Soul, but he did it and he did it well.
"DON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME" (with Elton John) (1991) Two titans of pop met onstage and made each other better. It should be considered the definitive version of Sir Elton's song.
"AS" (with Mary J. Blige) (1998) In this great cover of Stevie Wonder's song, George is smooth and Mary J. is ferocious.
"IF I TOLD YOU THAT" (with Whitney Houston) (1998) Man, this guy loves him some divas (and he's not scared of them either). Here, he squared off with Whitney for some contemporary R&B.
"HEAL THE PAIN" (with Paul McCartney) (2008) The former Beatle joined Mr. Michael here for a remake of a pretty song from Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.
Killer covers
"THEY WON'T GO WHEN I GO" (1990) Another great Stevie Wonder cover in which he perfectly captured the longing and sorrow of the original, and he did it in one live take.
"SOMEBODY TO LOVE" (with Queen) (1993) This live performance at a Freddie Mercury tribute show was one of Mr. Michael's shining moments. He owned the stage.
"I CAN'T MAKE YOU LOVE ME" (1997) Bonnie Raitt popularized this heartbreaker of a ballad, and Mr. Michael proved that he felt every word.
"THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE" (1999) This tune's been covered by everyone, but his rendition stayed faithful to Roberta Flack's song and its arrangement.
"FEELING GOOD" (2008) Recorded for Eli Stone (a TV show oddly inspired by Mr. Michael), this cover falls somewhere in between versions from Nina Simone and Michael Bublé.
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