Pop and Rock Star Deaths in 2016

George Michael

Bands: Wham!, solo artist

Position: vocalist/songwriter

Died: Dec. 25, 2016

Cause of death: heart failure

Age: 53

Distinction: With Wham! had a No. 1 album with Make It Big (1984) and No. 1 hits with "Wake Me Up Before Your Go-Go" and "Careless Whisper." As a solo artist, recorded five albums. Faith was No. 1 in 1987. He totalled six more No. 1 singles: "Faith" (1987); "Father Figure," "One More Try" and "Monkey" (1988); "Praying of Time" (1990); and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" with Elton John (1991).

Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom

Publisher of CelebStoner.com, former editor of High Times and Freedom Leaf and co-author of Pot Culture and Reefer Movie Madness.