George Michael was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer renowned as a pop icon and one of the best-selling artists in music history. Rising to fame in the 1980s as half of the duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley, he went on to achieve solo success with hits like "Faith," "Careless Whisper," and "Freedom! 90." His debut solo album Faith won a Grammy and sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Known for his powerful vocals, innovative songwriting, and distinctive visual style, Michael released a string of multi-platinum albums throughout his career, including Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, Older, and Patience. Beyond his music, he was an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS charities after coming out in 1998. His personal life often drew media attention, but he remained a major influence in pop music, amassing 10 number-one singles on the US charts and 13 in the UK. Michael won many major awards, including Grammys, Brit Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. He died of heart disease in 2016, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Britain's most celebrated artists.