Chris Rea, rock and blues singer and songwriter, dies aged 74
Today, December 22, it was announced that Chris Rea, the renowned British rock and blues singer, songwriter and guitarist, has died. The musician passed away at the age of 74. The information was confirmed by his family representatives. According to reports, Chris Rea died in hospital after his health deteriorated, surrounded by his loved ones in his final hours.
Chris Rea, whose full name was Christopher Anton Rea, was born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough in north-east England. He grew up in a family with Italian and Irish roots and did not initially plan a musical career, working for a time in the family business. However, his passion for the guitar and blues music gradually defined his future path, and by the 1970s Rea had begun performing solo and working in recording studios.
Chris Rea gained widespread popularity thanks to his distinctive raspy voice, melodic sound and recognizable slide guitar playing. Over the course of his career, he released 25 studio albums, with The Road to Hell and Auberge reaching the top of the UK music charts at different times. Total sales of his records exceeded 30 million copies, making him one of the most commercially successful British artists of his generation.
A special place in his legacy is held by the song Driving Home for Christmas, written in the mid-1980s. Over time, it became one of the most recognizable Christmas songs in the UK and beyond, returning to the charts and radio playlists every year. Other well-known works by the British musician include The Road to Hell, On the Beach, Josephine and Fool (If You Think It’s Over), which brought him his first major success in the United States.
The personal life of Chris Rea remained largely away from public scandal. He was married for many years to Joan Lesley, whom he met in his youth. The couple had two daughters, whose names the musician repeatedly used in his work. Away from the stage, Rea was passionate about cars and motorsport, with the theme of the road and movement becoming central to many of his songs.
Throughout his life, the artist faced serious health challenges. In the 1990s, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, underwent major surgery and later became diabetic. In later years, the British singer suffered a stroke but was able to partially recover and continued making music.
The death of Chris Rea marks a significant loss for the global music scene. His style, rooted in both rock and blues, influenced many artists, and his songs continue to resonate with listeners across generations. The musical legacy of Chris Rea remains an important part of modern popular culture.
