2016 Loses Another Music Icon

Source: Getty Images
2016 has been a tough year for losing great musical talents, with the passing of Prince and David Bowie among others. Now comes the shocking news that singer, George Michael, passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Day. He was only 53 years of age.
Born to a Greek father and an English mother, George – whose real name is Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou – first dreamed of becoming a singer at the age of seven. Michael first rose to fame as half of the 1980’s singing group, Wham!, alongside school friend, Andrew Ridgeley. After leaving the group he went on to have a hugely successful solo career that spanned decades.
Longtime friend, Elton John, took to social media to share his heartbreak over the learning the news, writing, “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, friends and all of his fans.”

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, friends and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP

A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:24pm PST

American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, referred to George as “one of the greatest” on Twitter.

Rest in peace George. You were always one of the greatest.

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 26, 2016

Source: Getty Images
Wham! Partner, Andrew Ridgeley, wrote, “Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog…#GM had a voice that would transport u, he was the finest singer/songwriter of his generation & has left the best of himself 4 us.”

Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6

— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

God didn't give it, you did my old friend.
Cleft with grief.
A xx https://t.co/yPzbB3rDGE

— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

#GM had a voice that would transport u, he was the finest singer/songwriter of his generation & has left the best of himself 4 us. RIP GM xx pic.twitter.com/Gjcp55Chei

— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016