Chris Rea, singer of classic Christmas song, dies at 74
The family of the British artist confirmed that Rea had “passed away peacefully in the hospital” after battling an illness.
British singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Rea, best known for the holiday classic Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 74.
His family confirmed that Rea passed away peacefully on Monday in a hospital, surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
Born in Middlesbrough, England, in 1951, Rea rose to international prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s with a string of hits that blended blues, rock and soulful storytelling. His song Fool (If You Think It’s Over) earned him a Grammy nomination and helped establish him in the U.S. market early in his career.
Rea achieved lasting mainstream success with Driving Home for Christmas, released in 1986. The song became a seasonal staple in the UK and beyond, returning to the charts year after year and cementing its place as one of the most recognizable Christmas songs of the modern era.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Rea released 25 studio albums and sold tens of millions of records worldwide. Albums such as The Road to Hell and Auberge reached No. 1 on the UK charts, confirming his status as one of Britain’s most enduring and respected artists.
Rea faced significant health challenges later in life. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the late 1990s and underwent major surgery in 2001. In 2016, he suffered a stroke that limited his ability to perform, though he continued to record music when possible.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.