Father Figure by George Michael was released January 2, 1988. The 7″ release in the United States featured an instrumental version of the song as the B side. The song was the fourth single from Michael’s debut studio album, Faith, following the breakup of Wham! in 1986.

The song was a No. 1 hit in the United States, where it remained for two weeks. It was Michael’s sixth No. 1 hit in the U.S. (including three as one-half of Wham!). In his native United Kingdom, Father Figure reached No. 11.

Michael directed the song’s music video with Andy Morahan. The duo won Best Direction in a Video for the music video at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards.