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.
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.
The Radio Academy reported George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004.
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.
In 1996, George Michael's album Older, was dedicated to Anselmo Feleppa, his late partner.
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.
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.
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.
The Radio Academy reported George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004.
In 2007, George Michael said he had hidden his sexuality because of worries over what effect it might have on his mother.
In 2007, George Michael said that hiding his sexuality made him feel 'fraudulent', and his eventual outing in 1998 was a subconsciously deliberate act.
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.
In 2008, George Michael spoke about the terribly depressing time after losing his partner Anselmo Feleppa to an AIDS-related illness.
In 2012, a woman gave birth to a baby girl after George Michael anonymously paid for her IVF treatment in 2010.
As of 2013, the album Ladies & Gentlemen had reached worldwide sales of approximately 15 million copies.
According to the Sunday Times Rich List of the wealthiest British musicians in 2015, George Michael was worth £105 million.
In 2015, George Michael was ranked 45th in Billboard's list of the "Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time".
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.
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.
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.
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.
At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017, Adele performed a slow version of "Fastlove" as a tribute to George Michael.
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.
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.
In 2019, George Michael was named as the greatest artist of all time by Smooth Radio.
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.
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.
In 2021, the trustees of George Michael's estate reached a financial settlement with his former partner, Kenny Goss, following legal proceedings.
On 22 June 2022, the documentary film Freedom Uncut, on which George Michael had been working shortly before his death, was released.
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.
On 7 October 2022, George Michael's remastered album Older charted at number 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart Top 100.
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.
In November 2023, George Michael was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Andrew Ridgeley serving as his induction presenter.
In 2023, George Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, posthumously honoring his significant contributions to music history.
In 2023, George Michael's "Last Christmas" became the UK Christmas number one for the first time.
In February 2024, the Royal Mint unveiled a collectable coin featuring George Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses.
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.
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