George Michael: Wham! Star and Solo Pop Icon Dies at 53

George Michael was an English singer-songwriter. Born Georgios Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, he formed Wham! with school friend Andrew Ridgeley.

Wham! had hits including "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Last Christmas." As a solo artist he released Faith (1987), which sold over 20 million copies and produced the hits "Faith" and "Father Figure." He won two Grammy Awards.

He was open about his sexuality and was a philanthropist. Michael died of heart failure at his home in Goring-on-Thames, England, on December 25, 2016, at age 53.

Achievements: Two Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards.

Birth: June 25, 1963 - East Finchley, London, England.

Profession: Singer-songwriter.

Interesting Facts: Faith sold over 20 million copies.