George Michael was a pop icon and one of the most successful musicians of his generation, known for his smooth vocals, catchy pop hooks, and soulful ballads. Despite these challenges, George Michael estimated net worth at the time of his death in 2016 was around $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in the world.
Throughout his career, he sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists ever. However, his personal life was marked by controversies and legal troubles, including his high-profile relationships and struggles with drug addiction.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at George Michael’s net worth, including the sources of his income, his investments and business ventures, his philanthropy work, and his enduring legacy as a pop icon and humanitarian.
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George Michael Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2016, George Michael had an estimated net worth of around $200 million. However, his net worth fluctuated throughout his career due to various factors, including album sales, concert tours, and business ventures.
Factors influencing George Michael’s net worth include his high-profile relationships, legal troubles, and philanthropic work.
Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, George Michael’s legacy as a musician and pop icon is undeniable.
However, he was famous for his smooth vocals, catchy pop hooks, and soulful ballads. His music continues to be popular today, with younger generations discovering and recognizing his influence on modern pop music.
Early Life and Career George
Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in London, England. He grew up in a large Greek-Cypriot family and was deeply influenced by music from an early age. As a teenager, he formed a band called The Executive with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley.
In 1981, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley formed the duo Wham!, one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s. Their first single, “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do),” was released in June 1982 and became an instant hit in the UK. Wham! went on to release four studio albums and numerous hit singles, including “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Last Christmas,” and “Careless Whisper.”
Solo Career and Achievements
In 1986, George Michael decided to go solo and released his debut album, “Faith,” which became a huge commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. The album produced several hit singles, including “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and “One More Try.”
Throughout his career, George Michael released five studio albums as a solo artist, each receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. His other notable albums include “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1,” “Older,” and “Patience.”
George Michael’s achievements as a solo artist are numerous. He sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists ever. He won numerous awards, including three Brit Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards.
Business Ventures and Philanthropy
In addition to his music career, George Michael was involved in various business ventures. He invested in property and owned several high-end properties in London and worldwide. He also owned a record label, Aegean Records, and a publishing company, Dick James Music.
George Michael was also known for his philanthropy work. He supported numerous charities, including Childline, the Terrence Higgins Trust, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. He donated a significant portion of his wealth to these charities and was known for his generosity.
Personal Life and Legal Troubles
George Michael’s personal life was often in the public eye. He was famous for his high-profile relationships with Brooke Shields, Anselmo Feleppa, and Kenny Goss. He was also open about his sexuality and prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
George Michael faced numerous legal troubles throughout his career. In 1998, police arrested him for engaging in a lewd act in a Beverly Hills, California, public restroom. In 2006, police arrested him for drug possession after finding him asleep at his car’s wheel. He was also arrested in 2010 for drug possession and driving under the influence.
Legacy and Impact George
No one can overstate Michael’s impact on the music industry and popular culture. He was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights and used his platform to raise awareness about social and political issues. He was also famous for his humanitarian work and generous philanthropic contributions.
His music influenced numerous artists and continues to be celebrated today. In 2017, a tribute concert was held in his honor, featuring performances by artists such as Adele, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran. The concert was a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on the music industry.
Sources of Income
George Michael’s net worth mainly came from his music career. He earned money through album sales, concert tours, and royalties from his music. He also earned income from his property investments and ownership of Aegean Records and Dick James Music.
Cause of Death
George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, at 53. His death happened due to natural causes, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver. Dilated cardiomyopathy is when the heart enlarges and weakens, making it difficult to pump blood effectively.
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, while a fatty liver is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver.
In the case of George Michael, his history of drug use and smoking may also have contributed to his health problems.
Investments and Real Estate
In addition to his music career, George Michael was a savvy real estate investor. He owned multiple high-end properties in London and worldwide, including a $15 million home in London’s Highgate neighborhood. He also invested in property in Los Angeles, Cyprus, and Sydney, among other locations.
Business Ventures
George Michael’s business ventures included owning Aegean Records and Dick James Music. He also had interests in several other businesses, including a London-based art gallery and a digital media company.
Philanthropy and Charitable Giving
George Michael was famous for his generous philanthropic contributions. He supported numerous charities, including Childline, the Terrence Higgins Trust, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. He donated a significant portion of his wealth to these causes and was famous for advocating for those in need.
Estate and Inheritance
Following George Michael’s death in 2016, his estate was the subject of much speculation and controversy. His will revealed that he left most of his fortune to his sisters, other family members, and some of his closest friends and former employees. However, there were also several legal challenges to his will, which complicated the distribution of his assets.
FAQs on George Michael Net Worth
What was George Michael’s net worth at the time of his death?
George Michael’s estimated net worth at the time of his death in 2016 was around $200 million.
How did George Michael make his money?
George Michael made his money primarily through his music career, including album sales, concert tours, and royalties from his music. He also invested in real estate and had interests in several businesses.
Was George Michael involved in any philanthropic work?
Yes, George Michael was famous for his philanthropic contributions and supported numerous charities, including Childline, the Terrence Higgins Trust, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Who inherited George Michael’s fortune after his death?
After his death, George Michael’s fortune was left to his sisters, other family members, and some of his closest friends and former employees. However, there were also several legal challenges to his will, which complicated the distribution of his assets.
What is George Michael’s legacy?
His success marks George Michael’s legacy as a musician and pop icon, as well as his humanitarian work and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. People celebrate and remember his music today; his impact on popular culture and society is undeniable.
Conclusion
George Michael’s life and career were full of both highs and lows. He was a talented musician and pop icon who succeeded greatly and significantly impacted popular culture. Despite the controversies that surrounded his personal life.
His net worth reflected his success as a musician and businessman, but his true legacy lies in his impact on the music industry and society. People will always remember George Michael as a pop icon and a humanitarian.
