Christmas

The ‘Most Generous Soul': Stars Remember Singer George Michael

Michael, an iconic singer whose star rose along with MTV's in one of the golden ages of pop music, is the latest music legend to die in 2016

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British singer George Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career lined with controversies, has died, his publicist said on Sunday. He was 53.

The death of George Michael, announced on Christmas, left much of the music world reeling. 

Michael, an iconic singer whose star rose along with MTV's in one of the golden ages of pop music, is the latest music legend to die in 2016. David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen, A Tribe Called Quest's Phife Dog and Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White all died this year. 

He was remembered as "the kindest, most generous soul" by singer Elton John, "ahead of his time" by late-night TV host James Corden and "a brilliant talent" by comedian Ellen DeGeneres on social media, which lit up Sunday night with memorials for the star.

"I am in deep shock," John's tribute began on Instagram. "I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of his fans."

The Wham! alum was also honored by former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley.

"Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog," he tweeted. "4ever loved."

Actor George Takei noted that this was Michael's last Christmas, the title of one of his band Wham!'s biggest hits. 

AP
British singer George Michael performs at a concert to raise money for AIDS charity Sidaction during the Symphonica tour at Palais Garnier Opera house in Paris, France, Sept. 9, 2012.
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English singer and musician George Michael, circa 1988.
AP
British singer George Michael performs during the Closing Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Aug. 12, 2012, in London.
British rock star George Michael performs in concert in March 1991.
The British pop duo Wham!, Andrew Ridgeley on guitar and George Michael on vocals, performs during a concert in Peking, China, April 7, 1985.
British singer George Michael leaves his house in north London, Dec. 23, 2011. George Michael, short of breath and appearing weak, said he has recovered from a life-threatening bout with pneumonia that kept him in a Vienna hospital for a month.
British singer George Michael performs at a concert to raise money for AIDS charity Sidaction, during the Symphonica tour at Palais Garnier Opera house in Paris, France, Sept. 9, 2012.
Pop star George Michael, then age 30, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Oct. 18, 1993, at the start of his court action against Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd. Michael sued to have his 1988 contract with Sony, which could have run for another 12 to 15 years, declared unenforceable.
George Michael performs during the Closing Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Aug. 12, 2012, in London.

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