**Chris Rea, Iconic Musician, Passes Away After Short Illness**
**Meta Description:** Chris Rea, renowned for hits like “Driving Home For Christmas,” has passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable music.
**URL Slug:** chris-rea-passes-away
**Chris Rea, the beloved musician known for his classic hits such as “Driving Home For Christmas” and “The Road To Hell,” has died following a short illness, as confirmed by a family spokesperson. His wife and two children released a heartfelt statement expressing their profound sadness: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris.” He passed away peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by family.
Born in Middlesbrough, Rea was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001, leading to the removal of his pancreas. He also suffered a stroke in 2016. Despite these health challenges, Rea’s musical career flourished, particularly in the late 1970s and 1980s, with hits like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” “Let’s Dance,” and “The Road To Hell.” His distinctive gravelly voice and slide guitar skills earned him numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including the Brit Awards, and he sold millions of records worldwide.
Rea’s debut album, “Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?” was released in 1978, and its track “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” received a Grammy nomination. Although he faced a few years of limited success, his eighth album, “On The Beach,” solidified his status as a star in the UK and Europe, with occasional hits in the US. The release of “The Road To Hell” in 1989 marked a significant turning point, making him one of the UK’s biggest solo artists. His albums “The Road To Hell” and “Auberge” both reached number one in the UK charts.
One of Rea’s most enduring songs, “Driving Home For Christmas,” first released in 1986, continues to resonate, featuring in this year’s M&S Food Christmas advert, where comedian Dawn French sings along. Reflecting on the song during a 2020 interview, Rea shared, “I was on the dole when I wrote that.”
Chris Rea’s legacy as a talented musician will be remembered by fans around the world, and his contributions to music will continue to inspire future generations.
**FAQ**
**What were some of Chris Rea’s most famous songs?**
Chris Rea is best known for hits like “Driving Home For Christmas,” “The Road To Hell,” and “Fool (If You Think It’s Over).