Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, (Γεώργιος Κυριάκος Παναγιώτου) was born on the 25th of June 1963 and sadly passed away on Christmas Day in 2016.
The popular and talented artist known professionally as George Michael, was a singer, songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist who rose to fame as a member of the music duo Wham!
He was best known for his work in the 1980s and 1990s, including hit singles such as “Wake me Up Before you Go Go” and “Last Christmas.”
Up to the time of his death, Michael sold more than 115 million records worldwide, making him one of the best selling music artists of all time.
His breakthrough duo Wham! sold 28 million records between 1982 and 1986, and his debut solo album Faith sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
He also ranks among the best selling British acts of all time.
George Michael died at the age of 53 of natural causes resulting from heart and liver problems.
George Michael, who would have turned 55 today, is being remembered for his acts of generosity as well as his contribution to music.
Michael donated royalties from his biggest hits to charities including Childline, as well as supporting the Terrence Higgins Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, among other organisations.
Childline patron Esther Ranzen told the Press Association: “Over the years he gave us millions and we were planning next year, as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations to create, we hoped, a big concert in tribute to him - to his artistry, to his wonderful musicality but also to thank him for the 100s of 1,000s of children he helped through supporting Childline.”
His Twitter feed would regularly become a site for charity auctions and Michael would gift concert tickets to NHS nurses. After his death, it also transpired he had apparently worked anonymously at a homeless shelter, asking staff at that time that his work there was not disclosed.