Chris Rea Death Confirmed After Short Illness

Singer-songwriter Chris Rea has died at age 74. His family confirmed the news on Monday. The artist passed away in a hospital following a brief illness.

Rea was best known for his beloved holiday song “Driving Home for Christmas.” His career spanned decades with multiple number one albums.

Chris Rea died after a short illness. His family shared the statement with Britain’s Press Association. He was 74 years old.

The musician rose to fame in the 1980s. His early hits included “Fool (If You Think It’s Over).” Another major success was “Let’s Dance.”

He achieved significant commercial success with two albums. “The Road to Hell” reached number one in 1989. “Auberge” also topped the charts in 1991.

Rea was born in Middlesbrough, England in 1951. His father was Italian and his mother was Irish. He worked in the family ice cream business after school.

He started playing guitar relatively late. He first picked up the instrument at age 21. He played in bands before launching a solo career.

Driving Home for Christmas and Enduring Legacy

“Driving Home for Christmas” remains his most famous song. It was first released in 1986. It was not an immediate major hit.

The song’s popularity grew steadily over the years. It is now a staple of the holiday season in the UK. It featured in a major retail advertisement this year.

Rea faced serious health challenges in later life. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He also suffered a stroke in 2016.

His musical style evolved over time. In recent years, he focused on blues-inspired records. He moved away from his earlier pop sound.

He is survived by his immediate family. His wife and two daughters mourn his loss. The music world has lost a distinctive voice.

The Chris Rea death marks the end of an era for British music. His songs, especially the timeless Christmas classic, will ensure his legacy continues for generations.