The untold story of George Michael's secret, star-packed duets project begins in 1992 with defiance and ends in grief. Mired in a toxic dispute with Sony Records, Michael decided to keep busy and declare his independence by making an album of songs sung by musical heroes like Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, and Sade Adu under the alias the Trojan Souls. He worked for months until his Brazilian boyfriend Anselmo Feleppa died of AIDS in March 1993, causing Michael to lose interest in music. The project was never revived, but tracks and behind-the-scenes footage have now surfaced.
The Birth of Trojan Souls
In the early 1990s, George Michael was at a creative crossroads. His contract dispute with Sony Records left him unable to release his own music, so he channeled his energy into a collaborative concept: a group called Trojan Souls featuring legendary voices. The album was designed to showcase Michael's production skills and his admiration for other artists. He recorded demos with Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, and Sade Adu, among others.
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Andros Georgiou, Michael's cousin and close friend, filmed much of the process using a Hi8 video camera given by Sony during the Faith tour in Tokyo. These tapes remained private for decades.
Why It Was Never Released
The death of Anselmo Feleppa devastated Michael. He shelved the project indefinitely. Only a few tracks leaked onto bootlegs and YouTube over the years. Georgiou spent years trying to remove unauthorised clips, but now, ahead of the 10th anniversary of Michael's death, he is releasing 90 minutes of unedited video under the title Trojan Souls.
Inside the Sessions: A Data Table
| Artist | Song (Planned) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Aretha Franklin | Unknown | Partial demo leaked |
| Janet Jackson | Unknown | Rumored but unconfirmed |
| Sade Adu | Unknown | Unreleased |
| George Michael (lead vocals) | Several originals | Some leaked |
Key Takeaways from the Trojan Souls Story
- George Michael created the Trojan Souls project to bypass his Sony contract.
- The album featured planned duets with icons like Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, and Sade Adu.
- Personal tragedy (Feleppa's death) halted the project.
- Andros Georgiu's unauthorised footage is now being officially released.
- This untold story adds depth to Michael's legacy as a producer and collaborator.
FAQ
What is Trojan Souls?
Trojan Souls was a secret album project by George Michael in 1992-93, featuring duets with artists like Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, and Sade Adu. It was never completed.
Why didn't George Michael release the Trojan Souls album?
After the death of his partner Anselmo Feleppa in March 1993, Michael lost interest in music and abandoned the project. He never returned to it.
Where can I see the footage of the Trojan Souls sessions?
Andros Georgiou is releasing 90 minutes of unedited Hi8 video footage. The release date has not been announced, but it will be available through his channels.
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