Celebrate Pride With "Freedom"

Happy Monday Minions! (say that three times fast) - I thought we would honor Pride Month with one of my favorite Pride Anthems today. 

George Michal's "Freedom! '90." Shortly before officially coming out as gay in 1998, George Michael recorded "Freedom! '90", a track that explores his struggles with his personal identity. With lyrics like, “There’s something deep inside of me / There’s someone else I’ve got to be," this classic song endures as a powerful ode to embracing your honest self.

I'll leave you with the song and video below...Enjoy your week with Pride everyone!

Hump Day & Chill

In the Age of ‘OK Boomer’, Michael Fairman Releases “Other Side”

You don't have to be a boomer to Hump Day & Chill to these cool beats...

Michael Fairman is after what his name implies: a fair chance.  He is out now with “Other Side,” his mid-tempo pop/soul track about ageism, personal struggles, and finding ones inner-strength to face adversity and ultimately triumph.  He co-wrote the track with engineer and producer, Kyle Mangels, in hopes it might inspire those over 35 into action.  “For years now, I have been told, ‘You’re doing music? You sing? How nice!’ when what was really meant was ‘Good Luck with that boomer, you’re too old for the music industry,’” he explains.  Fairman says he understands that pop radio is targeted to those under 25, skews female, and that there are only a few coveted spots for artists.  Many amazing talents – both younger and older - simply don’t get the airplay they deserve.  He hopes to be the artist to break that barrier, because the music he performs and writes is similar to that being played on pop radio and in dance clubs right now. “I have a point of view and a unique vibe and sound to share, and I hope listeners will give me a chance.”     Michael Fairman’s “Other Side” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple Music, Spotify and all major music digital platforms. 

Michael Fairman

“It’s a song for all the disenfranchised,” Michael Fairman continues from his Los Angeles home.   He believes “Other Side” is relatable for anyone who has ever felt disconnected, alone, or has broken out of a relationship and is trying to come terms with it.  “It’s a reminder that it is ok to feel down, to cry, to hurt, but eventually we all need to rise up, and fight the fight with whatever life throws our way.”

Michael acknowledges there is still plenty he has his sights set on in life.  A self-professed ‘workaholic’, Michael would like to spend more time cultivating a personal life, but he also has his lifelong dream of performing in-concert in front of thousands of people who are singing his songs.   And why shouldn’t he pursue it?

“We should never listen to people who say something cannot be done because it’s a pipe dream or we’ve missed our chance.  While we’re still breathing, there is hope.  The worst that can happen is it doesn’t lead to where you hoped it might, but at least you gave it that shot and fulfilled that part of yourself.”

Michael Fairman grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where music was always his passion and first love.  As a teen, he released his first recordings through a small label in Chicago.   Once he graduated high school, he moved to Los Angeles and eventually to New York to pursue his career as a recording artist.  He formed a band with some of the top studio musicians in the city, performed in rock, pop, and soul clubs, recorded, and tried to get the A&R reps out to his showcases in order to get signed by a label.  Between the financial drain, and the disappointment of not having key people show up to his gigs, Fairman eventually felt burned out and needed a major change.  He decided to put music on hold and move back to Los Angeles where he began a career in TV Production and entertainment journalism. 

Fairman has no idea where this next attempt at a music career will take him, but it’s something he feels he had to do now or regret forever.

“One of my great musical influences was George Michael and his passing made me realize how short life is and how I was wasting my talent,” he explains.  “God gave me a voice, and it is time that I share it and make others aware that this is a part of who I am, at my core.”

Michael Fairman’s “Other Side” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple Music, Spotify and all major music digital platforms.  Follow Michael Fairman on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Last Christmas...

A Christmas Gift
George Michael

"Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, But the very next day you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears, I'll give it to someone special" Last Christmas, Wham

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

OK, it's not a tale, it's the legend of  George Michael who was taken from us on Christmas Day 2016 at 53 years young. 53 is young, I can state that since I am going to be it this Tuesday December 18th 2018. 

Moving forward today I would like to remember George and Wham's Christmas classic Last Christmas. Being that we are in the final countdown (only 9 more days) and such till the hallowed day.

I remember meeting Mr. Michael at the premiere party for the Randal Kleiser gay themed film It's My Party held at the Armand Hammer Museum. While he was not officially out of the closet to the world, he was OOTC to Hollywood as he arrived surrounded by a entourage of hot guys.

George was a effervescent spirit who radiated warmth, light & joy. Much like the season we are in is supposed to. 

Thus today in a holly jolly way, give someone your heart to celebrate the season and George's passion. Remember there are many ways to do that, so just do it! 

Enjoy the Wham Christmas Classic after the jump. Enjoy it and enjoy it now!

George on Wikipedia -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Michael 

Choose Love

Husbands
Michael Turchin & Lance Bass

With all the uncertainty and chaos in the world, when I spied this photo of Lance Bass and husband Michael Turchin I couldn't help but smile.

Lance & Michael are getting in the spirit for a good cause, releasing a T-Shirt to support "(RED)’s fight to end AIDS"  and to honor his friend George Michael’s "love of life and celebrate the reissue of Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1."

"Yes" these "Choose Love" T-Shirts gave me the feels for the 80's again. With that confession out of the way, the simple power of the message is one we should all rise to this Holiday season. Hey why not all year round while were at it.

Everyday we wake-up we have a choice. I think we should all make that to "Choose Love" it's simple to give, doesn't cost a thing and will mean the world to those who receive it.

Werd!

Lance on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lancebass/?hl=en  

Michael's Musings

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"Father Figure" George Michael

Daddy
George Michael

It's the day after Christmas and I am sure a majority of you, like me, are saddened by the passing of pop icon George Michael, on, well of all things Christmas Day.

He was truly one of the greatest musical artists of all time, not to mention he was also quite ahead of it as well.

George was a Father Figure of sorts to up and coming performers looking for someone to emulate. Which happens to be my favorite song by Mr. Michael, for it's daring to touch a certain subject matter that most artists wouldn't ever dream of going near, especially in this day and age of mediocrity.

I could go on and on about this unique, one of a kind, legendary talent, but what's the point?  Every one of you has your own feelings and impressions of what he meant to your lives. This post is done to honor an individual whose influence on the world around them was truly epic.

Thus I leave you with my favorite George Michael song Father Figure. 

R.I.P.

www.georgemichael.com/   

Who's That Birthday Grrrrrrrrrl?

Guess Who?

If you guessed Adele, well then you are correct and have powers beyond reason, because I certainly did not recognize her in drag as George Michael, not in the least.

Yep this is what she wore to her 27th Birthday Celebration.

She Tweeted the following:

"Thank you for the birthday wishes I had a wonderful time!" Adele wrote. "I was my hero x #gottahavefaith."

It's Me!

To which George Michael responded:

"Happy Birthday @OfficialAdele !!!" he Tweeted back. "I'm so flattered, love The Singing Greek! xxx."

Adele's highly anticipated third album is scheduled for released this fall, keep the faith!

Adele is so not a drag at: 

https://twitter.com/officialadele

Margaret Cho & Heather McDonald Are "All About Sex"

Margaret Cho: Come Up & See Me Sometime

Heather McDonald: I Really Don't Use My Teeth

SATURDAY NIGHT IS “ALL ABOUT SEX”

TLC’s new weekly late night talk show headlined by Margaret Cho,

Heather McDonald, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry

tackles love, sex, and relationships

Every man's got his patience, and here's where mine ends

I want your sex, I want your love
I want your sex, I want your sex - "I Want Your Sex" George Michael

It’s 11pm on a Saturday night, and in bedrooms and bars across the country, many minds are starting to think about S-E-X. Starting January 10, TLC can guarantee you’ll get lucky with the network’s first-ever late-night talk show ALL ABOUT SEX. Featuring the wild, insightful, and relatable opinions and ideas of four incredibly different and accomplished women - Margaret Cho, Heather McDonald, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry – the weekly series will take on the latest headlines, break down the “behind closed doors” conversations about sex and love, and connect with women via social media to answer question and dispel misconceptions about what could be considered America’s favorite pastime.

TLC has ordered six half-hour episodes, airing Saturdays at 11pm, following premieres of the network’s hit series SEX SENT ME TO THE ER.

Each week will bring a rotating selection of segments, including observations on the week’s craziest sex-related news, open conversations about love and marriage, taking viewer calls and social media inquiries regarding their relationship challenges, and helping demystify the kinds of questions that you’re too embarrassed to even Google yourself. Blending together their unique perspectives, diverse backgrounds, and a hell of a lot of humor, spending a half-hour with the women of ALL ABOUT SEX will be even better than some post-coitus cuddling.

About the hosts:

Margaret Cho: A bi-sexual, Margaret could be called “Queen of all Media,” conquering film, television, books and theatre, with an Emmy nomination, Grammy nominations, sold-out tours, and off-Broadway and TV shows under her belt. She is also passionate about, and widely recognized for, her charitable work with gay rights and anti-bullying campaigns.

Heather McDonald: A virgin until age 27, now a overscheduled mom of three, Heather is New York Times bestseller and Chelsea Lately favorite who doesn’t hold back on anything. Her many talents also include headlining several sold-out stand-up tours and as a collaborator and writer on several Wayans Brothers films.

Marissa Jaret Winokur: She’s a mom first, and maybe a wife second – she admits that she would rather eat popcorn at bedtime than have sex with her husband. Marissa is well known as a Tony Award winner for playing “Tracy Turnblad” in the hit Broadway musical Hairspray, and as the fan-favorite on the hit ABC series Dancing With the Stars.

Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry: A premiere sex and relationship expert, based in Atlanta, GA with over 14 years of experience working with individuals and couples as a treatment provider and educator. Dr. Tiffanie's mission has been to help people create the love and intimacy that they want. She is a regular contributor to a variety of publications and television programs.

Viewers can join the conversation by Tweeting questions using the hashtag #AllAboutSexTLC.

ALL ABOUT SEX is produced by Relativity Television and Ellen Rakieten Entertainment for TLC.  

It's "All About Sex" at: 

http://www.tlc.com/

"Last Christmas" Matthew Duffy Received, Wham!

"Spunkpumper" Matthew Duffy has united his love of electronic and 80's music to give you all a Christmas present...

By releasing his version of Wham's "Last Christmas" as a free download. Knowing what I know about Mr. Duffy, he has been on "Entertain Me" before, "Spunkpumpers Unite" anyone? I assumed this meant he is a huge Wham! fan, of course my instincts were dead on!

Here with five reasons why he loves 80's super group Wham! with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley is Mr. Matthew Duffy!


1. George Michael's fluorescent fingerless gloves

2. George Michael's snaps

3. Club Tropicana. I really wanted to go have a cocktail there with them when I was a kid

4. Everything She Wants - was then and is still a killer track - plus George has incredible height to his hair in the video

5. Wham's wardrobe. Love me a good font statement T-shirt

Extra, Extra, Get Your Free Download Of Matthews "Last Christmas" Here:

https://soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music

Follow Him On Facebook At: http://www.facebook.com/matthewduffymusic