The music world is mourning the loss of British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, who has died at the age of 74. His passing marks a devastating third tragedy for his family in just three months, with his sister describing the 'awful pain' they are enduring.
A Triple Family Tragedy
Chris Rea's death this week follows the recent losses of two of his siblings. His older sister, Camille Whitaker, 79, revealed that their youngest brother, Nicholas, died in a Yorkshire hospital in October from brain cancer, aged 66. Just days after Nicholas's funeral, Camille's twin sister, Geraldine Milward, passed away suddenly.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Camille expressed the family's profound grief. "It is an awful pain. It is gut-wrenching what happened. The family has been quite shocked by it. It is tragic. We can't sort of get around it," she said.
A Life of Music and Health Battles
Chris Rea, from Middlesbrough, Teesside, had faced significant health challenges for many years. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001 and underwent surgery to have his pancreas removed. Later, in 2016, he suffered a stroke.
Despite these struggles, he recently experienced a moment of great joy with the birth of his first grandchild, a boy. Camille noted, "He was very, very pleased. That was wonderful." Rea is survived by his wife, two daughters—Josephine and Julia—and his new grandson.
The Enduring Legacy of a Festive Anthem
Chris Rea found fame in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like Fool (If You Think It's Over) and The Road To Hell. However, he is perhaps best known for the perennial festive favourite, Driving Home For Christmas. The song was inspired by a journey from London to Middlesbrough in 1978 but was not released until a decade later in 1988.
While it initially reached only number 53 in the UK charts, it has enjoyed a massive resurgence in the digital age. Thanks to streaming services, it has re-entered the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007, securing its place as a modern Christmas classic.
Camille last spoke to her brother six days before he died, remembering him as "a very shy and quiet man." The siblings had a modest upbringing in Middlesbrough, where their Italian father worked in an ice cream factory and café. Rea, who once considered a career in journalism, left an indelible mark on music, with his songs capturing the frustrations and joys of everyday life for millions.
