[Jim Moonan]

The loss of artistic talent has been a cascade of sadness this year. George Michael’s singing voice and stage presence made converts of even the stodgiest, most skeptical of pop music fans. I’m one of them.

A short time ago someone re-created the Beatles’ iconic Sgt. Pepper album cover to reflect the crowd of artistic talent lost in 2016. Now they must go back and, sadly, add George Michael (and Carrie Fisher, too).

Here’s the photo shopped album cover:
https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.n...d0&oe=58D9C088

And here are 5 memorable videos of George Michael live performances courtesy of the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/25/ar...T.nav=top-news

[Michael F]

He was a great talent, Jim. He had a magnificent pop voice, immediately recognizable, powerful and pure. His covers with Sir Elton and of Freddie Mercury are inspired.

Here's another favorite cut of mine. George holds his own with Re at her prime ... and that is saying something.

[Jim Moonan]

As I'm just now coming to realize, George Michael was an outspoken, well-informed person who just so happened to possess a brilliant knack for stage performance.

Watch this BBC interview...

https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyPol...2934416162083/

[Gregory Dowling]

Thanks for that, Jim. I confess I know next to nothing about George Michael as a musician but I'm impressed by that interview. Well-informed, as you say, and very articulate. And I like his assessment of "Cool Britannia"...