British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for his perennial festive hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has passed away at the age of 74. His family announced the sad news, stating that he died peacefully in hospital following a short illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Middlesbrough in 1951 to an Italian father and Irish mother, Rea blended blues, rock, and pop across 25 studio albums, selling over 30 million records worldwide. Hits like “The Road to Hell,” “On the Beach,” and “Let’s Dance” defined his career in the late 1980s, with two UK number-one albums.
“Driving Home for Christmas,” originally released in 1986 and inspired by a traffic jam journey home with his wife Joan, became a holiday staple, currently charting amid seasonal play.
Rea battled health issues, including pancreatic cancer in 2001 and a stroke in 2016. He is survived by wife Joan and daughters Josephine and Julia. Tributes poured in, hailing him a Teesside legend.
