The British pop superstar George Michael died at the age of 53, at his home in Goring, England. While Michael’s publicist, Cindi Berger, said he had not been ill, his manager, Michael Lippman, said the cause of death was heart failure. Before Lippmann’s statement, police declared the death as “unexplained but not suspicious.” It said “a post mortem will be undertaken in due course.”
His family issued a statement through Thames Valley Police saying, he “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.”
Michael gained early popularity with WHAM! He then went on to explore a solo career that was later filled with controversies and chart-topping hits with bold commentary.
The star of the 80s and 90s music, Michael enjoyed vast popularity from the start with hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Young Guns (Go For It)” and “Freedom.”
He was one of the most famous early idols for the MTV generation.
Michael became more serious singer and songwriter as a solo artist in the later phase of his career. He was frequently lauded by critics for his influential voice and expressive range. With selling more than 100 million albums internationally, Michael earned numerous Grammy and American Music Awards.
The ace singer also recorded duets with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Luciano Pavarotti and Elton John among others. Strangely, Michael reached the very heights of success but wasn’t pleased over being a celebrity.
During his career, his drug use and taste for risky sex brought him into several controversies. In 1998, he was detained for public lewdness in Los Angeles.
His first solo album, 1987’s “Faith,” sold over 20 million copies. He enjoyed numerous hit singles including, “I Want Your Sex.” The song was controversial as it was seen as encouraging casual sex at a time when AIDS epidemic was extending.
Michael had not revealed his homosexuality initially. But circumstances changed in 1998 when he was detained for lewd conduct after being spotted by a male undercover police. He then released a single and video, “Outside,” that made light of the charges against him and ridiculed the Los Angeles police.
He still remained a strong musical force throughout his career. Michael was also a known user of marijuana and prescription sedatives. He was detained second time in public toilets in North London in 2008 for drug use.
Regardless of these personal setbacks, Michael’s musical performances remained strong and his popularity was unmatched.
