How George Michael Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of George Michael across different fields.

George Michael was a highly influential English singer-songwriter and record producer, considered a pop culture icon. He achieved fame as part of the duo Wham! in the 1980s before embarking on a successful solo career. Known for his distinctive voice, songwriting talent, and captivating stage presence, Michael sold over 100 million records worldwide. His hit songs include "Careless Whisper," "Faith," and "Freedom! '90." Beyond his music, he was recognized for his philanthropy and later, struggles with personal issues that were often covered by the media. His impact on pop music and culture remains significant.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1984: The Radio Academy names George Michael the most played artist

In 1984, George Michael was named the most played artist on British radio during the period 1984-2004 by The Radio Academy. This award recognizes George Michael's extensive radio play and popularity during this time period.

1984: Most Frequently Played Artist on British Radio

The Radio Academy reported George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004.

1990: Desire to Change Promotion Style

In 1990, George Michael told his record company Sony that, for his second album, he did not want to do promotions like the one for Faith, signaling a shift in his approach to fame and promotion.

1996: Older album dedicated to Anselmo

In 1996, George Michael's album Older, was dedicated to Anselmo Feleppa, his late partner.

1997: "Candle in the Wind 1997" Overtakes "Do They Know It's Christmas?" as Biggest-Selling Single

In 1997, Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997", released in tribute to Princess Diana, overtook "Do They Know It's Christmas?" as the biggest-selling single in UK chart history.

2004: Statements on past relationships with women

In 2004, George Michael discussed his past relationships with women during the Wham! days, his feelings about them, and his decision to stop due to concerns about AIDS and the responsibility of disclosing his bisexuality.

2004: The Radio Academy names George Michael the most played artist

In 2004, George Michael was named the most played artist on British radio during the period 1984-2004 by The Radio Academy. This award recognizes George Michael's extensive radio play and popularity during this time period.

2004: Most Frequently Played Artist on British Radio

The Radio Academy reported George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004.

2007: Worries over mother's reaction to sexuality

In 2007, George Michael said he had hidden his sexuality because of worries over what effect it might have on his mother.

2007: Statement on hiding sexuality

In 2007, George Michael said that hiding his sexuality made him feel 'fraudulent', and his eventual outing in 1998 was a subconsciously deliberate act.

2007: John Lennon's Piano "Peace Tour"

In 2007, George Michael sent the piano that John Lennon used to write "Imagine" on a "peace tour" around the United States, displaying it at sites of violence, such as Dealey Plaza in Dallas.

2008: Michael's feelings after Feleppa's death

In 2008, George Michael spoke about the terribly depressing time after losing his partner Anselmo Feleppa to an AIDS-related illness.

2012: Birth of Daughter following IVF Treatment

In 2012, a woman gave birth to a baby girl after George Michael anonymously paid for her IVF treatment in 2010.

2013: Sales Update for 'Ladies & Gentlemen'

As of 2013, the album Ladies & Gentlemen had reached worldwide sales of approximately 15 million copies.

2015: Worth £105 Million

According to the Sunday Times Rich List of the wealthiest British musicians in 2015, George Michael was worth £105 million.

2015: Ranked 45th in Billboard's Greatest Hot 100 Artists

In 2015, George Michael was ranked 45th in Billboard's list of the "Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time".

December 2016: George Michael's Death

In December 2016, George Michael died, marking the end of his influential career as a singer-songwriter and record producer, known for his creative impact on pop culture.

2016: Kathy Jeung's reaction to Michael's death

In 2016, Kathy Jeung reacted to George Michael's death by calling him a "true friend" and reminiscing about the best times of her life spent with him.

2016: Death of George Michael

In 2016, on Christmas Day, George Michael died of heart disease at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, marking the end of his life and career.

January 2017: Anonymous IVF Payment Revealed

In January 2017, following George Michael's death, a woman revealed (with his family's permission) that he had anonymously paid for her IVF treatment after seeing her on an episode of 'This Morning' in 2010.

February 2017: Adele's Grammy Tribute

At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017, Adele performed a slow version of "Fastlove" as a tribute to George Michael.

2017: Temporary Memorial Garden Created

In the summer of 2017, a temporary informal memorial garden was created outside George Michael's former home in The Grove, Highgate. Fans tended to the site for approximately eighteen months.

March 2019: Auction of Art Collection

In March 2019, George Michael's art collection was auctioned in England for £11.3 million. The proceeds were donated to philanthropic organizations Michael had supported during his lifetime.

2019: Named Greatest Artist of All Time by Smooth Radio

In 2019, George Michael was named as the greatest artist of all time by Smooth Radio.

2020: Mural in Brent

In 2020, George Michael was commemorated with a mural in his native borough of Brent, commissioned as part of the Brent Biennial to pay tribute to his contributions to music, entertainment, and the LGBTQ+ community.

January 2021: "Last Christmas" reached number one in the UK

In January 2021, more than 36 years after its initial release, George Michael's "Last Christmas" finally reached number one in the UK Singles Chart.

2021: Financial Settlement with Kenny Goss

In 2021, the trustees of George Michael's estate reached a financial settlement with his former partner, Kenny Goss, following legal proceedings.

June 2022: Kate Bush surpassed record taken to reach number one

In June 2022, Kate Bush surpassed the UK chart record for the period taken to reach number one, previously held by "Last Christmas", with "Running Up That Hill."

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June 2022: Release of documentary film Freedom Uncut

On 22 June 2022, the documentary film Freedom Uncut, on which George Michael had been working shortly before his death, was released.

September 2022: Release of remastered and expanded version of Older

On 30 September 2022, a remastered and expanded version of George Michael's Older was released, comprising the original album, the Upper disc, and three bonus CDs.

October 2022: Older charted at number 2

On 7 October 2022, George Michael's remastered album Older charted at number 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart Top 100.

May 2023: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On May 3, 2023, George Michael was selected as an inductee to the 2023 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Kate Bush, Willie Nelson, The Spinners, Missy Elliott and Rage Against the Machine.

November 2023: Induction Ceremony for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In November 2023, George Michael was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Andrew Ridgeley serving as his induction presenter.

2023: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2023, George Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, posthumously honoring his significant contributions to music history.

2023: "Last Christmas" becomes UK Christmas number one for the first time

In 2023, George Michael's "Last Christmas" became the UK Christmas number one for the first time.

February 2024: Royal Mint Collectable Coin Unveiled

In February 2024, the Royal Mint unveiled a collectable coin featuring George Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses.

2024: "Last Christmas" hit number one again at Christmas

In 2024, George Michael's "Last Christmas" hit number one again at Christmas, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years.