British singer-songwriter Chris Rea has died at the age of 74, his family confirmed on December 22. The musician passed away in hospital after a short illness, though no further details were disclosed.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family,” the statement said, according to the Press Association (PA).
Rea had faced significant health challenges in previous years. In 2000, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent surgery the following year. More recently, in 2016, he suffered a stroke that affected his professional activity.
A career shaped by blues, rock and the open road
Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, northern England, Chris Rea became one of the most distinctive voices in British rock and blues. His music blended both genres and was defined by his deep vocal tone and expressive guitar playing.
Before fully committing to music, Rea briefly considered taking over the family’s ice cream delivery business founded by his father. That plan changed when he discovered his passion for the guitar. After purchasing his first instrument—a 1961 Hofner V3—he set out on a musical path that would lead to international success.
His debut album, Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?, released in 1978, featured Fool (If You Think It’s Over), which earned a Grammy nomination. Rea rose to prominence throughout the late 1970s and 1980s with songs such as Let’s Dance, On the Beach and The Road to Hell.
Over the course of his career, Rea released nearly 25 studio albums as a solo artist, with two reaching the top of the UK charts.
A Christmas song that became a global staple
Among his most enduring works, Driving Home for Christmas evolved into a seasonal classic across the English-speaking world. In 2025, the song re-entered holiday charts, peaking at number 30, and was featured in Christmas advertising campaigns by major British retailers.
Rea explained on his website that the song was inspired by a car journey with his wife, capturing the feeling of a weary traveler heading home for the holidays with warmth and understated humor. Despite its eventual popularity, he was initially reluctant to release it, fearing it might define his career.
“At the time, the last thing I needed was a Christmas song everywhere. I tried everything to stop it from being released—but thankfully, it was,” he later recalled.
Chris Rea’s death marks the loss of a significant figure in British music, leaving behind a catalog that continues to resonate with listeners—especially each December, when his voice once again accompanies journeys home.
