George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; June 25, 1963 – December 25, 2016) was an English singer-songwriter and record producer. He is regarded as a pop culture icon and one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.
Early Life
George Michael was born in East Finchley, London, to a Greek Cypriot father and an English mother. He grew up in the London suburb of Kingsbury and attended Kingsbury High School. His passion for music began at an early age, and he formed his first band, The Executive, with his school friends Andrew Ridgeley and David Austin.
Career with Wham!
In 1981, Michael and Ridgeley formed the pop duo Wham!, which quickly rose to fame with hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” “Everything She Wants,” and “Last Christmas.” Wham! became the first Western pop group to tour China in 1985, generating worldwide media coverage.
Solo Career
Michael’s solo career took off with the release of his debut album, Faith (1987), which included chart-topping singles such as “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” and “Monkey.” The album sold over 25 million copies worldwide and earned him the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1989.
His second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990), also achieved critical and commercial success, featuring hits like “Praying for Time” and “Freedom! ’90.” Michael continued to release successful albums throughout his career, including Older (1996), Songs from the Last Century (1999), and Patience (2004).
Personal Life and Legacy
George Michael publicly came out as gay in 1998 and became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He was known for his philanthropy, supporting various charities and causes throughout his life. Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, from natural causes related to heart and liver disease.
George Michael’s music continues to influence artists and resonate with fans worldwide. His contributions to pop music and his iconic status remain celebrated to this day.
