What Happened to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee George Michael?
by Ruksana
Updated Jan 02, 2024
What Happened to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee George Michael?
George Michael, a celebrated musician, was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. He passed away at the age of 53, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, England. The cause of his death was heart failure, attributed to dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver, as per the coroner's report.
This condition occurs when the heart's left ventricle struggles to pump blood properly, leading to heart failure. Michael's legacy is commemorated not only for his remarkable contributions to music but also for his impact on societal issues, as reflected in his songs addressing racism, coming out, and embracing one's authentic self.
George Michael's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 marks a significant recognition of his enduring influence on the music industry. The ceremony, a historic event, was streamed live on Disney+ for the first time in its 38-year history, allowing fans worldwide to join in the celebration.
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Who was George Michael?
George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, England, was a highly influential English singer, songwriter, and record producer. His impact on the music scene was substantial, with estimated record sales between 100 million to 125 million worldwide. Michael gained fame as part of the pop duo Wham!, alongside Andrew Ridgeley, and later pursued a successful solo career.
Full Name
Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou
Born
June 25, 1963, East Finchley, England
Died
December 25, 2016, Goring-on-Thames, England
Occupations
Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
Active Years
1981–2016
Genres
Pop, Dance-Pop, Post-Disco, R&B
Labels
Innervision, Columbia, Epic, Virgin, DreamWorks, Polydor, Sony, Aegean
Notable Groups
Wham!, Boogie Box High
George Michael Early Life
George Michael, originally named Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, was born on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, England. His father, Kyriacos "Jack" Panayiotou, was a Greek Cypriot restaurateur, and his mother, Lesley Angold, was an English dancer. Michael spent his childhood in Kingsbury, London, attending Roe Green Junior School and Kingsbury High School. His early interest in music developed after a head injury around the age of eight.
As a teenager, Michael and his family moved to Radlett, where he attended Bushey Meads School. It was there that he befriended his future Wham! partner, Andrew Ridgeley, and both shared a passion for becoming musicians. Michael's journey into the music business began with DJing and performing at various venues in London, showcasing his talents even before the formation of Wham!
George Michael Career
George Michael's musical career soared after he formed the pop duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981. Their albums "Fantastic" and "Make It Big" achieved chart-topping success with hit singles like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Careless Whisper." In 1986, Wham! disbanded, and Michael embarked on a highly successful solo career.
Michael's solo debut album, "Faith" (1987), became a global sensation, earning him multiple Grammy Awards. His impactful solo career included chart-topping singles like "Father Figure," "One More Try," and "Monkey." He continued to release successful albums such as "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1" (1990) and "Older" (1996), showcasing his versatility and enduring popularity.
George Michael Death
Tragically, George Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53. The cause of death was determined to be heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver. This condition impairs the left ventricle's ability to pump blood, leading to heart failure. Michael's partner, Fadi Fawaz, discovered him in bed at their home in Goring-on-Thames. The delayed determination of the cause of death resulted in his funeral being held on March 29, 2017, where he was laid to rest at Highgate Cemetery in north London.
The aftermath of Michael's death saw the creation of a temporary memorial garden outside his former home, tended by fans. In March 2019, his art collection was auctioned for £11.3 million, with proceeds donated to philanthropic organizations Michael supported during his lifetime.
George Michael Albums
Album Name
Year
Fantastic
1983
Make It Big
1984
Faith
1987
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
1990
Older
1996
Songs from the Last Century
1999
Patience
2004
Twenty Five
2006
What Happened to Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee George Michael? - FAQs
George Michael was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, a recognition of his enduring influence on the music industry.
George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53, due to heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver.
George Michael is remembered for his remarkable contributions to music and his impact on societal issues, addressing themes like racism, coming out, and authenticity through his songs.
George Michael explored genres such as pop, dance-pop, post-disco, and R&B throughout his music career.
George Michael's full name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou.