Released towards the end of 1987, George Michael’s first solo outing, Faith, highlighted what most people had known for years – that George Michael was a truly gifted singer-songwriter and that Wham! had merely been a stepping-stone for his musical talents. The album produced six singles, with George writing and producing the album and sharing bass duties with Deon Estus, who had already contributed many a memorable Wham! bassline.
Deon Estus was born in Detroit where he learned bass guitar under the tutelage of James Jamerson. Influenced by Stanley Clarke and Detroit players like Ralphe Armstrong and Lamont Johnson, who he replaced in Detroit funk-soul band Brainstorm. Brainstorm scored some minor hits in the late 70s and Deon wrote the track Positive Thinking from their 1978 album Journey To the Light.
