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, achieving global recognition as a pop culture icon. His impact stemmed from his creative abilities in songwriting, distinctive vocal style, and innovative visual presentations. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the music industry and enduring influence on popular culture.
1984: British Radio Recognition
During the period 1984–2004, George Michael was recognized as the most played artist on British radio by The Radio Academy.
2004: British Radio Recognition
During the period 1984–2004, George Michael was recognized as the most played artist on British radio by The Radio Academy.
2013: Album Sales Update
As of 2013, George Michael's album "Ladies & Gentlemen" had reached worldwide sales of approximately 15 million copies.
2015: Ranked 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".
November 2016: Freedom Documentary Announcement
In November 2016, George Michael's management announced that a second documentary on his life, entitled Freedom, would be released in March 2017.
December 2016: George Michael's Death
In December 2016, George Michael, the iconic singer-songwriter, passed away, marking the end of a significant era in pop music.
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" with whom she had spent "some of the best time of [her] life".
January 2017: Donation Revealed
In January 2017, another woman came forward (with the permission of Michael's family) and revealed that George Michael had anonymously paid for her IVF treatment after seeing her talk about her problems conceiving on an episode of This Morning in 2010.
February 2017: Tribute at Grammy Awards
At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017, Adele performed "Fastlove" in tribute to George Michael.
March 2017: George Michael's Funeral
In March 2017, George Michael's funeral was held and he was buried at Highgate Cemetery in north London, on one side of his mother's grave.
March 2017: Freedom Documentary Release Planned
In March 2017, the documentary "Freedom" about George Michael's life was set to be released.
September 2017: "Fantasy" Single Release
On September 7, 2017, after George Michael's death, the single "Fantasy", featuring Nile Rodgers, was released.
2017: 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, tended by fans 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 various philanthropic organizations Michael gave to while he was alive.
November 2019: Release of "Last Christmas" film and soundtrack
In November 2019, the film Last Christmas, inspired by the Wham! song, was released. The official soundtrack album, featuring Wham! and George Michael songs, including the previously unreleased "This Is How (We Want You to Get High)", was also released, debuting at number one on the UK Official Soundtrack Albums Chart.
2019: 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 to pay tribute to his contribution to the fields of music and entertainment.
January 2021: "Last Christmas" reaches number one
In January 2021, more than 36 years after its initial release, "Last Christmas" finally reached number one in the UK Singles Chart, a testament to its lasting appeal and a tribute to George Michael's songwriting genius. The period of 36 years taken to reach number one was a UK chart record at the time.
2021: Financial Settlement with Kenny Goss
In 2021, following legal proceedings, the trustees of George Michael's estate entered into a financial settlement with Kenny Goss.
June 2022: Release of "Freedom Uncut" documentary
On 22 June 2022, the documentary film Freedom Uncut, which Michael had been working on before his death, was released.
May 2023: Induction into the 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.
November 2023: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In November 2023, George Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Andrew Ridgeley as his induction presenter.
2023: "Last Christmas" becomes UK Christmas number one
In 2023, "Last Christmas" achieved the UK Christmas number one for the first time.
2023: Induction into 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.
February 2024: Royal Mint Unveils Collectable Coin
In February 2024, the Royal Mint unveiled a collectable coin featuring George Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses.
2024: "Last Christmas" tops Christmas chart again
In 2024, "Last Christmas" hit number one again at Christmas, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years.
