born giorgio paniakos, the singer won wide praise for his tremendous vogual range.ky behavior and brushes with the law also kept him in the headlines, one arrest led to the singer publicly revealing he was gay. a grave bout of pneumonia left michael near death in 2011, but he pulled through to survive. >> i've never actually appeared on stage and left disappointed. >> according to statements sunday from his publicist and police, the singer died at his home in southern england. a statement with the publicist saying it is with great sadness we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend, george, passed away peacefully at home over the christ privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. george michael dead, at the age of 53. >> musicians george michael inspired and those he knew well are remembering him this morning. everyone agrees with the sentiment you see here, josh groben tweeting another beautiful voice gone too soon. he's known for songs, "last christmas." actor george takai, mentioning that song and saying michael was resting with the glitteri