British rock and blues singer-songwriter Chris Rea has died aged 74, his family have confirmed.
Musician Chris Rea has died
The Middlesbrough-born musician died “peacefully in hospital … after a short illness”, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement released on Monday.
Rea was best known for his enduring seasonal classic ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ along with big hits like ‘The Road to Hell’ and ‘On the Beach’. His death comes just days before Christmas and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Who was Chris Rea? All about his legacy and career
Chris Rey’s career has spanned over five decades and has had a lasting impact on British and international music.
Christopher Anton Rea was born on 4 March 1951 in Middlesbrough to an Italian father and an Irish mother. He first gained attention in the 1970s and went on to record 25 studio albums, selling millions of records worldwide. Two of his albums, ‘The Road to Hell’ (1989) and ‘Auberge’ (1991), reached number one in the UK Albums Chart and cemented his reputation as a defining voice in rock and blues.
Reo’s deep, gravelly voice and expressive slide guitar playing have become hallmarks of his sound. He was equally comfortable mixing blues, pop, soul and soft rock, allowing his music to resonate with a wide audience.
His breakthrough single Fool (If You Think It’s Over) earned him a Grammy nomination and helped establish him in both the UK and the US early in his career, while later work such as The Road to Hell (Part 2) became one of his most popular songs and reached the UK Top 10.
Written in 1978 and released as a single in 1988, Reo’s seasonal anthem “Driving Home for Christmas” became one of his most enduring legacies. Initially a modest chart success, it has re-entered the UK Singles Chart every festive season since 2007 and has become a staple of Christmas playlists and radio stations across the country.
His warm account of traveling home for Christmas resonated with listeners and helped secure Reo’s place in the cultural fabric of the holiday season.
Reo’s personal life
Reo’s life was also marked by significant personal challenges. He underwent major surgery in 2001 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and subsequently lived with type 1 diabetes.
A stroke in 2016 affected his mobility and speech, yet he continued to record and release music, including the 2017 album Road Songs for Lovers. His resilience in the face of adversity further inspired admirers and underscored his dedication to his craft.
Throughout his career, Rea remained a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Joan Lesley Rea, whom he married decades ago, and their two daughters, Josephine and Julia. His family said in a statement that he was ‘loved’ and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
