Tributes have been paid to the star, whose hits included Club Tropicana, Freedom and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
Tony Blackburn tweeted: “Unbelievable, George Michael has died at the age of 53. RIP.This dreadful year goes on and on.So sad, a real talent.”
George was born in East Finchley he wanted to be a music star from an early age and would busk on the London Underground. He became a DJ playing a London clubs.
He found stardom with Wham! with the band’s first album Fantastic reaching No1 in 1983.
Ricky Gervais added: “Unbelievable. RIP George Michael.”