George Michael’s Mark on Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop Music

Before his sudden and untimely death, George Michael left a mark on the music industry that continues to influence many current hit makers to this day.

The singer, songwriter, and gay icon was first introduced to the world as the lead singer of Wham! in the early 1980’s. The group received global acclaim for singles like “Wake Me up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Everything She Wants.”

In 1988, Michael went solo and released two chart-topping albums, Faith and Listen Without Prejudice. These albums produced a number of hit singles that changed pop music, including “Father Figure,” “Faith,” Freedom 90,″ and “I Want Your Sex.”

More than just a pop singer, the music legend influenced artists from all backgrounds, genres, and generations. As a result, many artists, including hip-hop, soul, and R&B singers, took to social media to express remorse following news that the 53-year-old “Last Christmas” singer, who ironically died on Christmas day.

 

R&B soul singer and songwriter, Raphael Saadiq, tweeted about his experience seeing Wham! in concert for the first time:

 

 

R&B legend Chaka Khan also expressed remorse:

 

 

Likewise, hip-hop pioneer Q-Tip tweeted:

 

R&B singer Miguel, whose sound and style has been visibly influenced by Michael, shared a photo of the late musician on Instagram, along with a caption that included the names of Michael’s popular songs “Faith” and “Freedom”:

 

 

Meanwhile, R&B superstar Mariah Carey, who has been open about Michael’s influence in her career

, tweeted a sad farewell message and photo:

 

 

Although Beyoncé didn’t publicly express remorse for the late singer, his influence on her can be seen in her music and style. Back in 2010, she wore an unique motorcycle piece in a photoshoot for her “I Am…Sasha Fierce” album which originally debuted in Michael’s 1992’s “Too Funky” music video.

Here’s the piece that Bey wore for a photoshoot:

 

 

Here’s that piece again, when it was originally worn by German supermodel Nadja Auermann in  George Michael’s “Too Funky” music video:

 

 

Plus, Queen Bey was fortune enough to share the stage with Michael’s back in 2009. Watch the two iconic singers perform Beyoncé‘s “If I Were a Boy,” below:

 

 

Though his legacy lives on, George Michael is a beloved musical icon that will truly be missed.