Frank Sinatra told George Michael to ‘loosen up’ over fame in an incredible letter
CROONER Frank Sinatra once had some stern words for George Michael at a time when the Wham! singer was dealing with fame.
George, who passed away on Christmas Day, told Lost Angeles Times' Calendar magazine in 1990 that he planned on shunning the limelight following the release of his album 'Listen without Prejudice Vol.1', meaning there would be very few interviews and no music videos.
His decision displeased a number of his fans but there was one person in particular who stood out.
A letter from Frank Sinatra to the magazine was published a week after the interview but was republished on the website .
Sinatra says "come on George. Loosen up. Swing, man."
He adds: "I don't understand a guy who lives 'in hopes of reducing the strain of his celebrity status'.
"Here's a kid who 'wanted to be a pop star since I was about seven years old'.
"And now that he's a smash performer and 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 also adds that "talent must not be wasted".
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George died at his home in Oxfordshire at the age of 53 from suspected heart failure.
The Wham! singer had a successful solo career and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Thames Valley Police said an ambulance attended a property in Goring, Oxfordshire, at 1.42pm on December 25 adding that his death was being treated as "unexplained but not suspicious".
It is understood paramedics had been called after Michael was discovered by a friend.
In a statement, the star's publicist said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.
Since his death was announced a number of stars have been paying tribute to George.
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