{"id":4526,"date":"2016-12-25T19:51:46","date_gmt":"2016-12-26T00:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/?p=4526"},"modified":"2016-12-25T20:00:35","modified_gmt":"2016-12-26T01:00:35","slug":"singer-george-michael-died-aged-53","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/2016\/12\/25\/singer-george-michael-died-aged-53\/","title":{"rendered":"Singer George Michael has died aged 53"},"content":{"rendered":"

Singer George Michael has died aged 53, his publicist has said.<\/p>\n

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”.<\/p>\n

Thames Valley Police said South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT.<\/p>\n

Police say they were treating the death as unexplained but there were no suspicious circumstances.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”<\/p>\n

On Instagram, Sir Elton John posted a photograph of himself with Michael, writing:<\/a> “I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans.”<\/p>\n

Thames Valley Police said: “At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.<\/p>\n

“A post-mortem will be undertaken in due course. There will be no further updates from Thames Valley Police until the post-mortem has taken place.”<\/p>\n

Treatment for pneumonia<\/strong>
\nMichael, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, sold more than 100m albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.<\/p>\n

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 follow-up Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.<\/p>\n

It outsold Faith in the UK but led to Michael losing a court case with record label Sony over his frustration over how the album has been marketed.<\/p>\n

From teen idol to long-term stardom<\/strong>
\nHis talents as a singer, songwriter and music producer made George Michael one of the world’s biggest-selling artists.<\/p>\n

Blessed with good looks and a fine singing voice, his stage presence made him a favourite on the live concert circuit as he matured from teen idol to long term stardom.<\/p>\n

But there were times when his battle with drugs and encounters with the police made lurid headlines that threatened to eclipse his musical talents.<\/p>\n

Michael scored seven number one singles in the UK with songs including Careless Whisper and Faith, and won three Brit Awards and two Grammys.<\/p>\n

But as his career faded, Michael faced headlines for the wrong reasons.<\/p>\n

In October 2006 he pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs and was banned from driving and in 2008 he was cautioned for possession of class A drugs, including crack cocaine.<\/p>\n

In September 2010 Michael received an eight-week prison sentence following an incident the previous July in which he crashed his Range Rover into a shop in north London.<\/p>\n

Pop stars from Michael’s heyday were joined by more contemporary names in paying tribute on Twitter.<\/p>\n

ABC frontman Martin Fry said<\/a>: “Absolutely devastated to hear of the loss of @GeorgeMichael Truly brilliant talent #sad #sad #sad.”<\/p>\n

\"Martin<\/p>\n

Duran Duran referred to the the so-called “curse of 2016” – following the deaths of David Bowie, Prince and Rick Parfitt – posting on their official Twitter account: “2016 – loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael’s family.”<\/p>\n

The band included a picture of Michael with singer Simon Le Bon, Sting and Bob Geldof.<\/p>\n

\"Duran<\/p>\n

Singer Pixie Lott tweeted: “Grew up listening to the beautiful and talented @GeorgeMichael – my mama’s favourite! was a pleasure to meet him so sad to hear the news.”<\/p>\n

Fellow pop star La Roux wrote: “Another one gone…. What a voice, what a songwriter.”<\/p>\n

DJ Tony Blackburn said: “Unbelievable, George Michael has died at the age of 53. RIP.This dreadful year goes on and on. So sad, a real talent.”<\/p>\n

George Michael’s UK number one singles<\/strong><\/p>\n