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Chris Rea, “Driving Home for Christmas” Singer, Dies at 74
LONDON – Chris Rea, the beloved British singer-songwriter whose voice became synonymous with the holiday season through his hit “Driving Home for Christmas,” has passed away at the age of 74. His family confirmed on Monday that Rea died in the hospital after a brief illness.
Rea rose to prominence in the 1980s, captivating audiences in Britain with chart-toppers like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Let’s Dance.” His artistic prowess was further cemented with two studio albums, “The Road to Hell” (1989) and “Auberge” (1991), both of which soared to the number one spot in the country.
Born in Middlesbrough, northeast England, in 1951 to an Italian father and Irish mother, Rea’s path to musical stardom was not immediate. After leaving school, he took on various jobs, including assisting in his family’s ice cream business. He discovered his passion for the guitar later in life, picking up the instrument at 21, and honed his skills in bands before embarking on a successful solo career.
Throughout his later years, Rea faced significant health challenges, including a battle with pancreatic cancer and a stroke in 2016. Despite these adversities, he continued to evolve artistically, transitioning away from pop to release several blues-inspired records.
Chris Rea is survived by his wife and two daughters.