Singer George Michael: Dead at the Age of 53

George Michael died peacefully in his home today, at the young age of 53.

I remember the first time I saw the pop duo, Wham on TV. George Michael was the obvious star of the pair, and I remarked to friends watching the show with me, “That guy will go solo soon.”

It happened not long afterward.

I was an instant fan of George Michael. You couldn’t help but notice his looks, and I always wanted to have great hair and to grow a really full beard that I could manicure. No, I’m not gay, and had no interest in George Michael in that respect.

I learned later that George Michael was gay; I think he was caught in the bathroom with a man.

I bet quite a few ladies got their bubbles burst that day.

george-michaelMichael’s sexuality never mattered to me, least of when I was belting out the lyrics to “Careless Whisper” in my car.

“Am I never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm…”

What I most admired about Michael was his singing. To this day, I still turn up the radio when one of his songs comes on. So the news of his death  is tragic to me:

The star, who launched his career with Wham! in the 1980s and later continued his success as a solo performer, is said to have “passed away peacefully at home”.

Thames Valley Police said South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT.

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

Michael, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, sold more than 100m albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.

He first found fame with his schoolfriend Andrew Ridgeley in duo Wham! before going on to release solo albums, including the multi-million selling Faith and Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.

Earlier this month it was announced that producer and songwriter Naughty Boy was working with Michael on a new album.

In a statement, the star’s publicist said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George 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.”

In 2011, Michael postponed a series of concerts after being taken to hospital for treatment for pneumonia.

I can’t imagine having those pipes and not being able to sing anymore. It would be like losing my wit, and thus my ability to send Liberals scurrying down their rat holes, but I digress.

Things got worse for Michael, as the article continues:

After treatment in a Vienna hospital, he made a tearful appearance outside his London home and said it had been “touch and go” whether he lived.

Doctors were said to have performed a tracheotomy to keep his airways open and he was unconscious for some of his spell in hospital.

I won’t be surprised if Michael’s’ death is ruled a suicide. Entertainers live tragic lives most of the time.

Our team prays for him and his loved ones. I know I will never forget him or his music.

 

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