Entertainment: George Michael passes away at 53 (video)

It seems that 2016 just doesn’t want to end just yet without taking more notable people. In a year where we saw the passing of legends like Arnold Palmer, Prince, David Bowie, John Glenn, and others; you can now add another name to the list. It was reported by several media outlets that pop icon George Michael has passed away at the age of 53. As of this writing, the cause of his death is heart failure which is what Billboard and the Hollywood Reporter are now reporting. But has yet to be officially verified.

He was born on June 25, 1963, in East Finhley, London, England. He would end up breaking into the music industry in 1981 when he would form the duo Wham with Andrew Ridgely. The band’s first album would end up reaching the Number one spot in the United Kingdom. The band’s second album would end up becoming a major success in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The two biggest hits to come off of this album was “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “ Careless Whisper.” It should be noted that Careless Whisper was Michael’s first solo effort as a singer. Wham would end up breaking up in 1986 after George Michael was starting to have success as a solo artist.

He would then begin his solo career in 1987 and this is where he would end up making most of his success. Over the years, he would have several songs reach the tops of several music lists including the Billboard top 100. However, one of the bigger things in Michael’s’ life outside of the music success was his sexual orientation. It was revealed in the late 90’s that Michael was gay and unfortunately that got him in trouble with law enforcement officials as he was arrested for doing lewd acts with an undercover cop. Also, he would also have a drug problem as he was arrested for being in possession of Class C drugs that he claims were his own fault.

Over his musical career, he would end up having five studio albums and 40 singles. His song Careless Whisper was featured in the Deadpool movie, in this clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDKFPkM23Rc