Chris Rea, Iconic ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ Singer, Dies at 74 After Short Illness

Chris Rea, the beloved British singer-songwriter best known for the timeless holiday classic “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at the age of 74.
His family confirmed the news in an emotional statement, sharing that Rea passed away peacefully on December 22 after a brief illness.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.

He died following a short illness. (David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns)

A Prolific Career Spanning Five Decades

Born in Middlesbrough, Rea built an extraordinary musical legacy. Over the course of his long career, he recorded 25 studio albums, delivering hits such as:

• I Can Hear Your Heartbeat

• Tell Me There’s a Heaven

• The Road to Hell (Part 2)

Two of his albums reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart:
The Road to Hell in 1989 and Auberge in 1991.

His warm, gravelly voice and blues-infused sound made him one of the most distinctive British artists of his generation.

His Most Enduring Legacy: “Driving Home for Christmas”

Released in 1986, the festive anthem has become a holiday staple and continues to chart every year.
In 2023, the song once again returned to the UK charts, peaking at No. 30.
It has also been featured in major holiday advertising campaigns—including this year’s M&S Food Christmas advert—cementing its place in Christmas culture.

Rea once said that the song captured “a moment of warmth, humour, and holiday spirit that never loses its magic.”

A Life Marked by Serious Health Challenges

Despite his career success, Rea faced numerous medical struggles:

• 1994: Developing stomach ulcers

• 1995: Life-threatening peritonitis

• 2000: Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

• 2001: Removal of his pancreas

• 2016: Suffered a stroke but later recovered

He described the surgery to remove his pancreas as “life-changing,” acknowledging that the aftermath brought bouts of depression. Still, he persevered and released Road Songs for Lovers in 2017.

“I wasn’t frightened of dying,” Rea once said. “What got me through was the thought of leaving a record my daughters could be proud of.”

Rea in ’83. (Fin Costello/Redferns)

A Devoted Husband and Father

Rea met his wife Joan at age 16 in his hometown. The couple shared two daughters, Josephine and Julia, and remained deeply connected throughout his life.
He often said that music and family were the pillars that kept him grounded through hardship.

“It’s music and family with me. I’m only one of four, that’s how I am. We like it that way,” he shared.

A Voice That Will Live On

Chris Rea leaves behind a legacy of soulful storytelling, blues mastery, and one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever recorded. His music continues to bring comfort, nostalgia, and joy to millions each year.

He will be remembered as a gifted artist, a resilient fighter, and a man whose voice defined the holiday season for generations.