George Michael was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer, born on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, England. He rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the pop duo Wham!, and later went on to have a successful solo career.
Michael’s solo debut album, “Faith,” released in 1987, was a massive commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. Some of his most popular songs include “Careless Whisper,” “Father Figure,” and “Freedom! ’90.” Michael was known for his soulful voice and his skill at blending different musical genres.
In addition to his music career, Michael was also involved in philanthropy and activism. He was an advocate for LGBT rights, and his song “Outside” was a celebration of gay culture. He was also involved in raising funds for HIV/AIDS research and treatment.
Throughout his life, Michael struggled with personal issues, including drug addiction and mental health problems. He passed away on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53, from natural causes related to heart disease.
Despite his personal struggles, Michael’s music and legacy continue to be celebrated. In 2017, a documentary about his life and career, “George Michael: Freedom,” was released, and in 2019, a posthumous album of previously unreleased material, “Last Christmas: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack,” was released.
Here are some memorable moments about George Michael:
The release of his debut solo album, “Faith,” in 1987, which was a massive commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
His performance at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992, where he sang a moving rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.”
The release of his song and music video “Freedom! ’90,” which featured a group of supermodels lip-syncing the lyrics, and has since become a cultural icon.
His coming out as gay in 1998, and his subsequent advocacy for LGBT rights.
His arrest in 1998 for “engaging in a lewd act” in a public restroom in Beverly Hills, which sparked controversy and criticism.
His Live 8 performance in 2005, where he sang a duet with Paul McCartney and performed some of his most popular songs, in what would be one of his final public performances.
His untimely death on Christmas Day 2016, at the age of 53, which was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians.
His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, in recognition of his contributions to music and pop culture.