Chris Rea, Singer of Driving Home for Christmas, Dies at 74

British singer songwriter Chris Rea has died at the age of 74, his family confirmed on Monday. He passed away in hospital after a short illness, according to a statement shared with the U.K. Press Association.

Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough to an Italian father and Irish mother, Rea rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s with a distinctive blend of rock, pop, and blues. He became widely known for songs including Fool (If You Think It’s Over), On the Beach, The Road to Hell, and Auberge, with several albums topping the U.K. charts.

His song Driving Home for Christmas, first released in 1986, grew into one of Britain’s most enduring holiday tracks and remains a seasonal favorite decades later. The song drew inspiration from long journeys back to the North East and reflected Rea’s deep connection to his roots.

Despite commercial success, Rea often resisted industry pressures and later shifted toward a raw, blues driven sound. Following serious health challenges, including pncretc cncer and a stroke in 2016, he focused on music that reflected his personal artistic vision rather than mainstream trends.

Tributes have poured in from musicians, broadcasters, and fans who praised his songwriting honesty, guitar style, and loyalty to his Teesside background. Rea is survived by his wife and two daughters.