The music world is mourning the loss of Chris Rea, the distinctive singer-songwriter and guitarist best known for his enduring festive classic Driving Home for Christmas. Rea, whose gravelly voice and blues-infused slide guitar made him a beloved figure, has died at the age of 74.
From Ice Cream Vans to International Stages
Born in Middlesbrough on 4 March 1951, Christopher Anton Rea was one of seven children in a family of Italian and Irish heritage. His father, Camillo, ran the Rea ice-cream empire, and Chris spent his teenage years working in the family's coffee bars and factory. A late starter to music, he only began playing guitar at 21, quickly developing a signature slide style inspired by blues greats and Ry Cooder.
His big break came early with the 1978 single Fool (If You Think It's Over), which reached No. 12 in the US. However, it was in the late 1980s and 1990s that he cemented his status in the UK and Europe with a string of hit albums.
A String of Platinum Albums and Health Struggles
Rea's commercial peak saw him achieve remarkable success. His 1989 album The Road to Hell and its 1991 follow-up Auberge both reached No. 1 in the UK charts. Other major releases included the platinum-selling On the Beach (1986) and Dancing With Strangers (1987).
Behind the scenes, Rea faced significant health challenges. In 2000, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, requiring major surgery. This was followed by a diabetes diagnosis. Then, in 2016, he suffered a stroke that affected his speech and movement. He later reflected that these trials gave him perspective, quipping, "If it hadn't happened, I could have become as big a pain in the backside as any other celeb."
A Lasting Legacy Beyond Pop
In his later years, Rea returned passionately to his blues roots, releasing a series of albums on his own Jazzee Blue label. He also explored other creative outlets, including painting and a deep love for motor racing and Ferrari cars, even attempting a film, La Passione, in 1996.
Chris Rea is survived by his wife, Joan, whom he met at school in Middlesbrough at age 16, and their two daughters. His music, particularly the perennial Driving Home for Christmas, ensures his voice will continue to resonate for generations to come.
