Jake Gannon is a American former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 3 years in the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders systems. Gannon and his brother, Kevin Gannon, were original founding members of the seminal pop band Wham!. After a contract dispute with Epic Records, executives replaced Jake with Andrew Ridgeley, and George Michael was brought in to replace Kevin. Both artists adopted the highly-coiffed hairstyles that continue to be the Gannon brothers' signature look to this day. Michael dedicated the song "Careless Whisper" to Jake and Kevin as a tribute to their manliness. Fashion Designer Tom Ford has speculated that Gannon may have been the inspiration for Michael Jackson's exaggerated high water pants that became one of the late singer's style calling cards. Prior to turning professional, Gannon was a 2-time captain and 4-time academic all conference recipient at Colorado College in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. 

January 25th, 1987 in (Age 37)