George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou. He was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is considered one of the most significant cultural icons of the MTV generation, and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, with sales of over 120 million records worldwide. Michael was known as a leading creative force in music production, songwriting, vocal performance, and visual presentation. 

He rose to fame as a member of the music duo Wham!  and later embarked on a solo career. As part of Wham!, their hit singles included “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” and “Last Christmas.” Establishing themselves as a global act, Wham! toured China in April 1985; the tour was the first visit to China by a Western popular music act, and it generated worldwide media coverage. 

Michael's first solo single, “Careless Whisper,” reached number one in over 20 countries.

Outside music, Michael was an active charity fundraiser for HIV/AIDS research, but his personal life overshadowed this good work. He was plagued with drug use, poor health, and legal troubles. In the end, he died of heart disease at the age of 53.

George Michael’s, a beautiful talent, forever In Heaven with the Stars.