Even though tributes for the late George Michael continue to pour in, the world is pretty much still in shock, perhaps as the British singer's death came on Christmas day. He was 53 years old.

The controversial icon and member of British duo Wham! was undeniably one of the music industry's greatest, belting out pop music's catchy tunes like "Faith," "Careless Whisper," "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and the promiscuous "I Want Your Sex." 2016 took another celebrity out, and as the world continues to honor George Michael. Let's look at other musicians/artists who passed away on Christmas Day.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt's career in both Broadway and in film spans more than 60 years, reports Billboard. Responsible for the Christmas staple "Santa Baby," the holiday season wouldn't be the same without her sultry voice. In a rather fitting kind of farewell, Kitt died of colon cancer in December 25, 2008 at the age of 81.

James Brown

Truth be told, it would take more than one article to sum up Brown's influence on music as a whole. Beyond pioneering funk music, the Godfather of Soul had been vocal on a number of social issues including the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

According the Huffington Post, Brown, in his time was an active advocate for education, penning "Don't Be a Dropout" in 1966. Like George Michael, death came for the relentless performer on Christmas day, sparking a national period of mourning in 2006. He was 73.

Dean Martin

Dubbed King of Cool, Dean Martin completed the Rat Pack along with Sammy Davis and Frank Sinatra. As much as he is known in the music industry, Martin had an expansive film career as well, appearing first alongside Jerry Lewis. The iconic figure died in 1995 of acute respiratory failure at the age 78.

It goes without saying that 2016 had been a year of celebrity deaths. George Michael being one of them doesn't make this year any better, but what we can do now instead is to offer a proper send off, perhaps in a way in which the superstar won't be forgotten.