His song is one every year at Christmas time THE Earworms. Now singer Chris Rea died two days before the festival at the age of 74. A spokesman told the PA news agency on behalf of his family.
He passed away peacefully in hospital this morning after a short illness, surrounded by his family.
Chris Rea has been seriously ill over the past few years. In 2000, he battled pancreatic cancer, enduring several major surgeries that included the removal of parts of his pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder and liver.
In 2016, Rea suffered a stroke, after which he was temporarily unable to speak properly or play the guitar.
But music always remained his source of strength.
The Brit released 26 studio albums. (archive)
Musical breakthrough
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Chris Rea’s musical breakthrough came in 1978 with his hit “Fool” (If You Think It’s Over), for which he was even nominated for a Grammy. However, “Driving Home for Christmas” from 1986 will forever be remembered.
A song that began as a personal observation from a weary traveler returning home and became one of the greatest modern Christmas classics. To this day, the song makes it into the charts every year and is one of the most played Christmas songs worldwide.
A song that Rea originally didn’t want to release. In an interview he once said: “I didn’t need a Christmas song at that point. I did everything I could to stop them from releasing that record. Luckily they did!”
Chris Rea did not expect the success of “Driving Home for Christmas”. (archive)
Farewell to an extraordinary artist
Besides music, Rea loved art and cars. He was a passionate painter and an enthusiastic motorsport fan and even had a racing driver’s license.
But his family was even more important to him. Chris Rea always described himself as a family man and dedicated several songs to his family. He is survived by his wife Joan Lesley and their daughters Josephine and Julia Christina.
BREAKING
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