Chris Rea, the iconic singer behind the festive classic Driving Home For Christmas, has passed away at 74 after a short illness.
Music Legend Leaves Us Before Christmas
The Middlesbrough-born star, who penned the beloved track in 1978, died peacefully in hospital just three days before Christmas. A family spokesperson said:
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”
Longest Love in Music Industry
Chris shared a remarkable lifelong romance with his wife Joan, who was with him when he wrote the famous Christmas hit. The couple met as teenagers in Middlesbrough and were together ever since — a rare feat in the music world.
Despite his struggles, he recorded 25 studio albums and scored two number ones on the UK Albums Chart with The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991). His hit Driving Home For Christmas has charted annually since 2007, peaking at number 10 in 2021.
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Chris last appeared on TV in 2020’s Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing, sharing his personal story and Christmas spirit.
The music world mourns a true legend one last time this festive season.
