(December 25, 2016) 2016 continues to devastate the musical world. We are very sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of musical star George Michael, at age 53. The cause of death is currently unknown.
In a statement, Michael’s publicist said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."
The son of a Greek restauranteur, Michael first came to stardom as part of the pop duo Wham!, with Andrew Ridgeley. Michael showed early on he had the looks, the voice and the songwriting chops to be a star, and the duo’s many hits, from “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” to the now classic “Careless Whisper,” shot them to the top of the charts.
(December 25, 2016) 2016 continues to devastate the musical world. We are very sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of musical star George Michael, at age 53. The cause of death is currently unknown.
In a statement, Michael’s publicist said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."
The son of a Greek restauranteur, Michael first came to stardom as part of the pop duo Wham!, with Andrew Ridgeley. Michael showed early on he had the looks, the voice and the songwriting chops to be a star, and the duo’s many hits, from “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” to the now classic “Careless Whisper,” shot them to the top of the charts.
Wham split up in the late 80s and Michael didn’t miss a beat. He seemingly conquered the world with his 1987 solo debut, Faith, which went multiplatinum and spent a full year on the Billboard charts. And he scored major hits with “I Want Your Sex,” “Father Figure” and the title cut. Michael straddled the line between pop and soul beautifully, and was emerging as one of music’s most important artists.
He followed with Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, Five Live, Older and Songs From the Last Century over the next decade, and several more big hits.
As the new century came, Michael experienced problems with drug addiction and had a few brushes with the law, which distracted from his career. He also recorded less, though usually made a splash with any new recording he issued.
His death is yet another tragic loss in a year that has been relentless in the talent taken from us. And it is especially poignant to occur on Christmas Day, when many of his fans are no doubt listening to his Christmas gem, “Last Christmas.” Godspeed, George. Michael.