Chris rea, the British singer-songwriter whose hits included Driving Home For Christmas, has died at the age of 74, a spokesperson for his family said.
The statement said that he died “peacefully in hospital … following a short illness”.
Rea blended blues, pop, soul and soft rock on 25 studio albums, featuring hits including The Road to Hell, taken from a UK No 1 album of the same name; Driving Home for Christmas, a perennial seasonal favorite; and tracks such as On the Beach and Josephine that earned popularity in the balearic dance scene. He sold more then 30m albums.
He was born in 1951 in Middlesbrough to an italian father and Irish mother, and had six siblings. “To be Irish Italian in a coffee bar in Middlesbrough – I started my life as an outsider,” he later said.
Chris Rea performs at Salle Pleyel in October 2017 in Paris, France. Photograph: David Wolff/Patrick/Redferns
As a young man he dabbled in music while working labouring jobs, including in his father’s ice-cream factory, and considered being a journalist. He eventually joined a band aged 22, Magdalene, which had previously featured David Coverdale (later of Deep Purple). He then joined another band, the Stunning Losers, but struck out solo when offered a record deal, releasing his debut single, So Much Love, in 1974.
His first flush of success came in the US, where his 1978 song Fool (If You Think It’s Over) reached no 12 and earned him a Grammy nomination for best new artist. He struggled to match that achievement for some years – likening industry machinations in this period to “a big manure heap of bubbling stuff. I had no control over it, I didn’t know what to do” – though the 1983 album Water Sign was a hit across Europe and helped to turn his fortunes around.
The late 1980s were his most commercially successful period: finally embraced in the UK despite frequently enough sitting outside the dominant trends in pop, 1987’s Dancing With Strangers began a run of six UK top 10 albums, two of them reaching no 1.
Chris Rea, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ Singer, Dies at 73
Table of Contents
Chris Rea, the British singer-songwriter best known for his festive hit “driving Home for Christmas,” has died at the age of 73. His death was announced on December 22, 2023, and reported by multiple news outlets including the BBC and The Guardian. A statement from his family cited a short illness.
Rea enjoyed a career spanning decades,releasing over 30 albums and achieving international success with songs like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and,of course,the enduringly popular Christmas track.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, in 1950, Rea’s musical journey began early. He played in local bands before joining the band Delaney, T. & B., which supported the Rolling Stones in the early 1970s.He embarked on a solo career in 1978, releasing his debut album Whatever Happened to Priscilla to critical acclaim.
Rea’s musical style blended blues, rock, and folk influences, often characterized by his distinctive husky vocals and guitar work. He built a dedicated fanbase through consistent touring and album releases throughout the 1980s and 90s.
“Driving Home for christmas” – An Unexpected Holiday staple
While Rea enjoyed success with several singles, it was “Driving home for Christmas” that cemented his place in popular culture. Released in 1988, the song initially gained modest traction but experienced a surge in popularity in the 2000s, becoming a perennial favorite during the holiday season. Its enduring appeal is often attributed to its relatable lyrics about the desire to return home for Christmas. The song consistently charts in the UK each December, and has become a staple on radio playlists worldwide. Official Charts company reports the song has sold over 2.37 million copies in the UK.
Health Challenges and Later Years
Rea faced health challenges in recent years. He suffered a stroke in 2016, which temporarily affected his perception of pitch, as he described in an interview with The Guardian. He also collapsed on stage during a concert in Oxford in 2017,requiring hospitalization.Despite these setbacks, he continued to record and perform, demonstrating his resilience and passion for music.
Personal Life
Chris Rea was married to Joan for over 40 years, beginning their relationship when they were both 17.They had two daughters, Josephine and Julia, both of whom inspired songs by Rea.
Legacy
Chris Rea leaves behind a rich musical legacy. He was a gifted songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist who touched the lives of millions with his music. “Driving Home for Christmas” will undoubtedly continue to be played and enjoyed for generations to come, ensuring his memory lives on.
Key Takeaways:
* Chris Rea,known for “Driving Home for Christmas,” died on December 22,2023,at age 73.
* He had a successful career spanning decades, blending blues, rock, and folk music.
* “Driving Home for Christmas,” released in 1988, became a beloved holiday classic.
* Rea faced health challenges in recent years but continued to create music.
* He is survived by his wife, Joan, and daughters Josephine and Julia.
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