Former Wham! singer George Michael dead at 53: Publicist

Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene.

Details of the singer’s quiet acts of philanthropy emerged in the hours after his death.

George Michael talked about traumas in his life, and he illustrated how money and fame is no escape from heartbreak.

Michael’s death has inspired worldwide mourning for the star, who dominated the charts in the ’80s and early ’90s as a member of Wham! and then, later, as a solo artist.

The album rocketed up the charts, eventually selling 15 million copies worldwide and 5 million in the United States, spawning multiple hit singles. The song has been featured in countless films and still holds up as an immensely enjoyable pop song years later. A Spotify official has told TMZ that streams have increased by 3158 per cent on this time last week and the top five tracks being played are “Last Christmas”, “Careless Whisper”, “Faith“, “Freedom!”.

But Michael was keen to reach beyond Wham!’s teenage audience and to experiment with other genres.

Fadi Fawaz revealed his devastation as it emerged that Michael had been a secret donor to many charities, giving millions of pounds.

She also remembered the time in which Michael called out to her for her rendition of the single “One More Try” that served as a tribute to George’s influence. He became the first singer in almost two decades to have the top-selling album and single (also Faith) of the year.

Delivering flowers and holding a photo of her and the former Wham! star, she said: ‘He was just lovely, normal and down-to-earth.

But a British producer and songwriter named Naughty Boy (real name Shahid Khan) told the BBC on December 12 that he was working with Michael to produce new songs for a possible new album. It just shows how much of an impact Michael made to those in the same industry as him and to those who rose to be huge stars, as well.

As Radar previously reported, the singer lost contact with even his closest pals after he began to “shut people out”, including his own staff. Was a great artist”, while one more added: “So fantastic to see you at your best – on stage with the voice of an angel @GeorgeMichael.

Michael almost died from pneumonia in late 2011. Perhaps, then, it is fitting that he died during a season of kindness and celebration. George was not only a great musician, he was an active ambassador in the LBGTQ community, pushing for greater understanding, acceptance, and love for all people.