Andrew Ridgeley, an English singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, made a significant impact on the music industry as one-half of the iconic pop duo Wham! during the 1980s. Alongside his childhood friend and bandmate George Michael, Ridgeley achieved worldwide success, selling over 35 million records and delivering memorable hits such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Last Christmas.”
Beyond his musical endeavors, Ridgeley’s personal and professional life is filled with fascinating stories, accomplishments, and transitions. Let’s dive into the intriguing journey of Andrew Ridgeley.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, England, Andrew Ridgeley grew up in Bushey, Hertfordshire. At an early age, he developed a passion for music and sports, shaping his future endeavors. Ridgeley attended Bushey Meads School in Hertfordshire, where he crossed paths with George Michael when they were both 12 years old. Little did they know that their friendship would lead to one of the most iconic music partnerships in history.
Parents
Ridgeley’s parents are Jennifer John (née Dunlop) and Alberto Mario Zacharia (who later changed his surname to Ridgeley). His mother was of English and Scottish descent and his father was of Italian and Egyptian descent. His mother was a schoolteacher at Bushey Heath Primary School while his father worked for Canon.
Siblings
Ridgeley has two older brothers named Paul (born in 1959) and Stuart (born in 1961). Paul is a lawyer and Stuart is a music producer.
Andrew Ridgeley Biodata, WIKI
| Name | Andrew John Ridgeley |
| Birth date | 26 January 1963 |
| Birth place | Windlesham, Surrey, England |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 1981–1991, 2005, 2018–present |
| Genres | Pop, rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Associated acts | Wham! |
| Partner | Keren Woodward (1990–2017) |
| Social Links | Instagram- @andrewjohnridgeley Wikipedia- @Andrew_Ridgeley Twitter- @ajridgeley Homepage- Mcphagwara.com |
The Formation of Wham!
Driven by their shared love for music, Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael formed Wham! in 1981. They signed with Innervision Records, releasing their debut album, “Fantastic,” in 1983.
The album soared to the top of the UK Albums Chart, generating four top ten singles, including “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” and “Young Guns (Go for It!).” Wham! quickly gained popularity with their catchy tunes and energetic performances.
Wham!’s Phenomenal Success
In 1984, Wham! switched to Epic Records/CBS and released their second album, “Make It Big.” This album catapulted them to global stardom, featuring chart-topping hits such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Everything She Wants.”
Their irresistible melodies and infectious energy captivated audiences worldwide. Wham! made history by becoming the first Western pop group to perform in China in 1985, further solidifying their international acclaim.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Solo Career
Following the disbandment of Wham! in 1986 after a memorable farewell concert at Wembley Stadium, Andrew Ridgeley embarked on a solo career. In 1990, he released his only album, “Son of Albert.” Although the album did not reach the same level of success as his Wham! days, it showcased Ridgeley’s individual artistry. The single “Shake” gained moderate popularity, peaking at number 58 on the UK Singles Chart.
Passion for Environmental Activism
Beyond his contributions to the music industry, Andrew Ridgeley is passionate about environmental activism. He relocated to Cornwall, England, with his wife, Keren Woodward, and became actively involved in supporting causes such as Surfers Against Sewage and Greenpeace. Ridgeley’s dedication to environmental preservation reflects his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of music.
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Personal Life: Love and Family
Andrew Ridgeley’s personal life has seen its fair share of joy and challenges. He married Keren Woodward, a member of the pop group Bananarama, whom he met at the BRIT Awards in 1990.
Their relationship has stood the test of time, spanning over three decades. Together, they have built a life in Cornwall, England, residing in a charming 15th-century farmhouse. In 2022, news circulated that Ridgeley had started dating socialite Amanda Cronin, adding a new chapter to his personal journey.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Memoir: Wham! George & Me
In 2019, Andrew Ridgeley released his memoir, titled “Wham! George & Me,” offering fans and readers an intimate glimpse into his life and the extraordinary journey of Wham! The memoir became a bestseller, allowing Ridgeley to share personal anecdotes and pay tribute to his late friend and bandmate, George Michael. Through his book, Ridgeley ensured that the legacy of Wham! and their profound impact on pop music would endure.
Legacy and Recognition
Andrew Ridgeley, as part of Wham!, achieved remarkable success and received numerous accolades throughout his career. The duo won three BRIT Awards, including Best British Group, Outstanding Contribution to Music, and the Icon Award. They also earned two American Music Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards. Ridgeley’s contribution to music and his indelible mark on the pop landscape solidify his place in music history.
Achievements
Ridgeley has achieved many accolades as part of Wham!, including:
- Three BRIT Awards for Best British Group (1985), Outstanding Contribution to Music (1986) and Icon Award (2017)
- Two American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group (1985) and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for Make It Big (1985)
- Two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Group Video for “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (1985) and Viewer’s Choice for “Careless Whisper” (1985)
- One Ivor Novello Award for International Hit of the Year for “Careless Whisper” (1985)
- One Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year for Make It Big (1986)
- One Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination (2018)
Earnings from Profession
Ridgeley’s earnings from his profession are not publicly known, but he reportedly earned $10 million from his solo album Son of Albert, which sold about 300,000 copies worldwide. He also earned royalties from Wham!’s music catalog, which continues to generate revenue from streaming, downloads and licensing. According to The Sun, he earned $1.8 million from Wham! in 2019 alone.
Net Worth
Ridgeley has an estimated net worth of $25 million as of 2022, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He earned most of his fortune from his music career with Wham! and his solo album. He also inherited a share of George Michael’s estate, which was worth $128 million at the time of his death.
Conclusion
Andrew Ridgeley’s journey from his humble beginnings in Bushey, Hertfordshire, to the heights of global stardom with Wham! showcases his talent, resilience, and passion for music. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Ridgeley’s commitment to environmental causes and his enduring relationships reflect his multifaceted character. Andrew continues to inspire generations with his music and his dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Some Facts About Andrew Ridgeley
- Andrew Ridgeley underwent surgery in 1984 to have his septum straightened to improve his breathing after having broken his nose as a child of nine. His manager fabricated a story that he was hit in the nose in a nightclub to explain his bandaged face to the media.
- Andrew has Italian, Egyptian, and English ancestry. He acknowledges that his ancestry could account for his natural good looks.
- He is an environmentalist and has been involved in various charity work. He took part in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam, an 18-day and 1800km cycle across the French and Swiss Alps, in 2018.
- He published a book about his friendship with George Michael in 2019, titled George and Me. He revealed that he was heartbroken by George’s death on Christmas Day 2016 and that he still misses him every day.
- Andrew played guitar and performed backing vocals for Wham!, while George Michael was the lead vocalist and primary songwriter. He also co-wrote some songs with George, such as “Wham Rap!” and “Club Tropicana”.
- He is a fan of surfing and skiing. He owns a home in Cornwall, where he enjoys surfing on the beach. He also likes to ski in Switzerland and France.
- He has won many awards with Wham!, including two Brit Awards, an American Music Award, an MTV Video Music Award and a Rockbjörnen Award.