Chris Rea, the British singer-songwriter best known for the enduring holiday classic “Driving Home for Christmas” and the hit “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” has died at 74. His family confirmed his death Monday, saying he passed away in a hospital following a short illness, according to a statement shared with the Press Association and reported by the Associated Press.
Rea’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he became one of the UK’s most recognizable voices in rock and blues, known for his gravelly vocals and distinctive slide guitar style. The impact of his passing will be felt globally this holiday season.
A Career Defined By Longevity And Crossover Success
Born in Middlesbrough, England, in 1951, Rea broke through internationally in the late 1970s with “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” which earned a Grammy nomination and reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over time, he built a reputation for blending rock, blues, pop and soul into a sound that resonated far beyond Britain.
He went on to release 25 studio albums and sold more than 40 million records worldwide. Albums such as The Road to Hell and Auberge topped UK charts and solidified his place as a mainstay of British rock, according to Reuters. While his catalog includes numerous hits, “Driving Home for Christmas” became a cultural phenomenon years after its initial release, returning to charts annually and becoming one of the most recognizable holiday songs in the UK and across Europe.
Later Years, Health Struggles & Legacy
In later years, Rea leaned further into blues music and continued recording and performing despite serious health challenges, including cancer and a stroke. His perseverance earned him deep respect among fans and fellow musicians alike.
Outside of music, Rea was known for his passion for motor racing, which often influenced his visual artwork and themes. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters. His death comes during the holiday season, a time when “Driving Home for Christmas” traditionally sees renewed popularity—ensuring that his voice and songwriting will continue to soundtrack winter journeys for years to come.
Chris Rea: 10 Career Highlights
|
Year |
Milestone |
|---|---|
|
1978 |
Breakthrough with “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)”, earning a Grammy nomination and charting in the U.S. |
|
1978–1980s |
Series of charting singles including “I Can Hear Your Heartbeat,” “On the Beach,” and “Stainsby Girls.” |
|
1986/88 |
First released “Driving Home for Christmas” as a B-side; re-recorded and issued in 1988. |
|
1989 |
Album The Road to Hell reaches No. 1 in the U.K. |
|
1991 |
Album Auberge also tops U.K. charts. |
|
1990s–2000s |
Continued releases blending blues and rock; recorded 25 studio albums total. |
|
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent major treatment. |
|
|
2016 |
Suffered a stroke and later focused on blues-oriented work. |
|
2019 |
Released his final album, One Fine Day. |
|
2025 |
Passed away at 74 just before the holidays as “Driving Home for Christmas” saw renewed attention in holiday playlists and streaming charts during the season. |
