Chris Rea, Singer of ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ Dies at 74
Chris Rea, the legendary English singer-songwriter and guitarist, passed away at 74 after a brief illness, leaving behind a career that spanned five decades and touched millions of fans worldwide. Born in Middlesbrough, Rea became an international sensation with his 1978 debut hit, Fool (If You Think It’s Over), which reached the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy nomination.
He went on to release 25 studio albums, selling more than 40 million records, cementing his place as one of Britain’s most prominent pop artists. Among his most beloved works is Driving Home for Christmas, written in 1986 during a snowy journey when he was temporarily unemployed. The song has become a perennial holiday classic in the U.K., appearing on charts each year and featuring in festive advertising campaigns. Rea shared that he wrote the song while his wife Joan drove him home after he had been banned from driving, capturing a moment that resonated with listeners for generations.
In addition to music, Rea pursued his passion for motor racing, competing as a guest driver in the 1993 British Touring Car Championship. Several of his album covers, including Auberge and The Best of Chris Rea, reflected his love of cars.
Despite serious health struggles—including pancreatic cancer and a 2016 stroke that affected his speech and mobility—Rea remained dedicated to his music, releasing his final album, One Fine Day, in 2019.
He is survived by his wife, whom he met as a teenager, and their two daughters. His family described his passing as “immense,” noting he died peacefully in hospital. Fans and fellow musicians alike are mourning the loss of a talent who brought warmth, nostalgia, and joy to countless listeners worldwide.
Chris Rea’s music and legacy will continue to inspire and bring comfort during the holiday season and beyond.
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