Profile of the Day: George Michael

Today we remember singer George Michael on what would have been his 56th birthday.

Image: Courtesy of Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries

Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963 in London, England. His father, Kyriacos Panayiotou, was a Greek Cypriot restauranteur and his mother, Lesley Angold Harrison, was an English dancer. From an early age, Michael had a passion for music. He met future Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley as a teen in school and the pair formed a friendship through their shared interest in music.

During the 1980’s, Michael and Ridgeley rose to fame as the pop duo Wham! They became one of the best-selling pop artists of the decade with hits such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Freedom.” Michael followed his pop success with his own successful solo career. His debut solo album, Faith, featured a single of the same name, which would become one of his most popular and enduring songs of his career.

Sadly, Michael’s life was cut short when he passed away on December 25, 2016 at the age of 53. At the time of his death, he had sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

What’s your favorite song?

Explore George Michael’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the pop singer.
 

View George Michael’s Geni Profile