The music world is in mourning following the death of singer-songwriter Chris Rea, who passed away at the age of 74. In a poignant final act, the Middlesbrough-born artist revealed he had gifted the immensely valuable rights to his entire song catalogue, including the perennial festive hit 'Driving Home For Christmas', to his wife Joan after receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis.
A Life-Changing Phone Call and a Priceless Gift
Rea's family announced his death today, stating he "passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family." The news follows a touching revelation the star made during his last television appearance on the BBC's Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas special.
He recounted the moment a pancreatic cancer nurse delivered the news in hospital. "She tells me 'it's not grade three cancer, phone your wife!'" Rea said. He immediately called his childhood sweetheart, Joan, who was so overcome she had to pull her car over. In response, Rea made a monumental decision. "I gave her all the money, all the rights to all the songs," he explained, later joking, "And now she won't give them back."
The Immense Value of a Christmas Classic
The rights to 'Driving Home For Christmas' are particularly lucrative. Written and composed by Rea and released in 1986, the song has become a staple of the festive season. It re-enters the UK Singles Chart every year, a streak lasting nearly two decades, and peaked at number 10 in 2021.
The track is estimated to earn around £200,000 in annual royalties, with total earnings since its release thought to be in the region of £7 million. Its enduring popularity has led to cover versions by artists including Stacey Solomon and Engelbert Humperdinck.
The Song's Humble Origins with Joan
The creation of the iconic song is itself a story of the couple's enduring partnership. Inspiration struck in December 1978 when Joan was driving a banned Rea back to Middlesbrough after a London recording session. The pair had just £220 to their name and faced a six-hour journey, arriving home at 3am.
Their fortune changed the moment they walked through the door. Awaiting them was a letter containing a £15,000 cheque from a US performing rights organisation, confirming his song 'Fool (If You Think It's Over)' had charted in America.
A Legacy of Pride and Tributes
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry and his hometown. Chris Cooke, the Mayor of Middlesbrough, said: "Chris Rea was deeply proud of his Middlesbrough roots and the people of our town were equally proud to call him one of their own. His songs helped put Middlesbrough on the map and he leaves behind a brilliant legacy."
Rea's final social media post was a fitting nod to his most famous work, simply stating "Driving Home For Christmas." He is survived by his wife Joan and their family, who now hold the keys to a musical empire born from love, struggle, and ultimate success.
