The music world is mourning the loss of Chris Rea, the beloved singer-songwriter with the unmistakable gravelly voice, who has died at the age of 74. Rea, whose career spanned decades and sold millions of records, passed away after facing significant health challenges. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless hits, including the perennial festive favourite 'Driving Home For Christmas', 'Fool (If You Think It’s Over)', and 'Let’s Dance'.
An Unconventional Path to Stardom
Born in Middlesbrough in 1951 to an Irish mother and Italian father, Rea's route to fame was far from typical. He worked various manual jobs and helped in the family ice cream business before he even picked up a guitar at the age of 21. Despite this late start, his raw talent was undeniable. He soon found himself performing alongside notable artists, including the Shadows' legend Hank Marvin.
His debut album, Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?, was released in 1978. However, it was in the mid-1980s that his popularity exploded across the UK and Europe. This success was cemented by two chart-topping albums: the iconic 'The Road To Hell' in 1989 and 'Auberge' in 1991.
A Health Battle and a Return to Roots
Rea's later life and work were profoundly influenced by serious health issues. In 2001, he underwent surgery to remove his pancreas due to cancer, an experience he described as life-changing and a source of deep depression. This pivotal moment led him to rediscover his first musical love: the blues.
"Once they’ve taken your pancreas away, the rest of your life is dealing with not having a pancreas, which is pretty awful sometimes, but I’m still here," he reflected in a 2014 interview. This period sparked a creative renaissance, resulting in a series of acclaimed blues albums such as Hofner Blue Notes and the expansive Blue Guitars project.
He saw this work as his true legacy, stating his motivation was to leave a record for his two teenage daughters where they could say, "That’s what Papa did – not the pop stuff, but the blues music. That’s what he was about." Rea himself summarised his journey by saying, "I feel I’ve had three careers in one, really."
Resilience and Family Legacy
Demonstrating remarkable fortitude, Rea continued to create music despite suffering a stroke in 2016. He released the album Road Songs For Lovers in 2017. Although a later tour was interrupted when he collapsed on stage in Oxford, he remained engaged with his fans and his musical heritage, even appearing on BBC's Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing in 2020.
At the heart of his life was his family. He married Joan, whom he met in Middlesbrough when he was just 16, and they had two daughters, Josephine and Julia. Rea often credited his family and music as his foundational pillars. "It’s music and family with me. I’m only one of four, that’s how I am," he once shared, highlighting the simple, profound values that guided him.
Chris Rea's passing marks the end of an era for British music. From his humble beginnings in the North East to international stardom and a heartfelt return to his blues roots, his distinctive voice and soulful songwriting will continue to resonate for generations to come.
