Singer Chris Rea died at the age of 74 after illness

Singer Chris Rea died at the age of 74 after illness

Chris Rea, the British singer and guitarist, died on Monday morning at the age of 74. As his family spokesman announced, Rea died in a clinic after a short illness. This tragic news was confirmed via the PA news agency and the British broadcaster BBC. Rea was particularly known for his smoky and gentle voice as well as his hit song “Driving Home For Christmas,” which made him an icon on the music scene.

The artist was born in Middlesbrough on March 4, 1951, from an Italian-Irish working class family. His musical career began around the age of 20, after he originally dreamed of a career as a film musician. His international breakthrough came in 1978 with the single “Fool If You Think It’s Over,” which enjoyed great success in the USA. From the 1980s, Rea also became popular in Germany and Europe with titles such as “Josephine” and “On the Beach”.

A life for music

In Great Britain, Chris Rea only became known in 1989 with the album “The Road to Hell”, which made him a star and continued in the following years with “Auberge” and “Dancing with Strangers”. In total, Rea sells almost 30 million records worldwide. His music fused numerous influences, including blues styles, and reflects his artistic vision. From 2002 he dedicated himself particularly to the blues, which he implemented by founding his own label Jazzee Blue and releasing several blues albums.

Rea has suffered from serious health problems in recent years, including cancer, which was diagnosed in 2000 and led him to undergo a 16-hour operation in Germany. Despite these challenges, he remained loyal to music, continuing to record albums and tour, one example of which was his "Road Songs for Lovers" tour in 2017, which was marked by health setbacks.

Legacy and influence

The last few years have been marked by various health crises, such as a stroke in 2016 and a dramatic collapse on stage in 2018. Despite all of this, Chris Rea leaves behind an impressive legacy. He released notable albums throughout his career and is still known today for his hits and unique style.

Chris Rea leaves behind his wife Joan and two adult daughters who supported him during these difficult times. His impact on the music world will never be forgotten, and his classic song “Driving Home For Christmas” will continue to be heard this Christmas as fans and friends mourn his death.