The music world is mourning the loss of a beloved rock and holiday icon. British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, whose soulful voice and guitar work defined hits like the perennial Christmas favourite "Driving Home for Christmas," has died. He was 74 years old.
A Life in Music and Health Struggles
Rea's family confirmed his passing on Monday, stating he died following a short illness. The news was shared with Britain's Press Association. Born in Middlesbrough, England in 1951, Rea's journey to stardom was not a straight path. He worked various jobs after leaving school and only picked up a guitar at the age of 21.
His perseverance paid off in the 1980s as he rose to fame with smooth rock hits including "Let's Dance" and "Fool (If You Think It's Over)." His commercial peak came with two number one albums: The Road to Hell in 1989 and Auberge in 1991.
The artist faced significant health challenges in his later years. His battles included pancreatic cancer and he suffered a stroke in 2016. Despite these obstacles, he continued to create and perform music that resonated with fans across generations.
The Story Behind a Christmas Classic
While Rea had many successes, he will be forever synonymous with one song in particular: "Driving Home for Christmas." Released in 1986, the track has grown into a global holiday anthem, played endlessly each December. Its origins, however, are rooted in a moment of personal inconvenience.
According to BBC News, Rea wrote the song while serving a driving ban. His wife, Joan, had to drive from their home in Middlesbrough to London to pick him up for the holiday journey north. The experience of that long drive home inspired the lyrics and melody. Rea noted he was unemployed and had just been dropped by his manager when he penned the now-classic tune.
His passion for cars and driving was a recurring theme in his music, making the song a perfect fusion of personal interest and universal holiday sentiment. In a fitting final act, Rea released a new Christmas album in October of this year, which featured a remastered version of his iconic song.
Legacy and Family
Chris Rea's legacy is one of distinctive, blues-inflected rock music and a holiday standard that has soundtracked countless family journeys for nearly four decades. His deep, gravelly voice and skilled guitar playing carved out a unique space in the music industry.
He is survived by his wife of many years, Joan, and their two daughters. The family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss. For fans in Canada and around the world, the news marks a sombre note during the holiday season, a time when his most famous song brings feelings of warmth and anticipation. His music, particularly the soundtrack to our holiday travels, ensures that Chris Rea's artistic drive will continue to resonate for years to come.
