The music world is in mourning following the heartbreaking news that the legendary British singer-songwriter, Chris Rea, has passed away at the age of 74.
Known for his distinctive gravelly voice and masterful slide guitar, Rea was a fixture of the British rock and blues scene for nearly five decades.
His passing, occurring just days before the holiday he so famously sound tracked, has led to a global outpouring of grief from fans who consider his music part of their life’s journey.
Is Chris Rea Still Alive?
In light of recent news, many fans have been searching the internet to ask: is Chris rea still alive? Sadly, a spokesperson for the musician’s family confirmed that Chris rea died on Monday, December 22, 2025.
The statement revealed that the “husky-voiced” icon passed away peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.
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The timing has added a poignant layer of sadness to the holiday season, as millions of people are currently listening to his most famous seasonal hit.
Chris Rea Cause of Death
Regarding the Chris real cause of death, the family has attributed his passing to a “short illness.”
While the specific nature of this final illness was not disclosed to the public, the singer had famously battled significant health issues for decades.
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Many people looking for how Chris Rea died will recall that he survived pancreatic cancer in the early 2000s—a battle that required the removal of his pancreas and left him with permanent diabetes.
Furthermore, in 2016, he suffered a debilitating stroke, and in 2017, he collapsed on stage during a performance in Oxford.
Throughout these chronic illness struggles, he remained remarkably resilient and dedicated to his craft.
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Chris Rea Driving Home for Christmas
Perhaps no song in his catalog is as universally recognized as Chris Rea driving home for Christmas.
Originally released in 1986, the track didn’t actually become an immediate hit, but it has since grown into an essential festive anthem.
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The song was inspired by a real-life moment in 1978 when Rea was struggling financially; his wife, Joan, drove to London to bring him home for the holidays.
As they sat in heavy traffic during a snowstorm, the lyrics began to form.
Today, driving home for Christmas Chris rea remains a staple on holiday playlists, generating massive royalties every December.
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Chris Rea Songs
Beyond his holiday hit, the depth of Chris’ real songs is vast.
He found initial fame in the late 1970s with “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)”, which earned him a Grammy nomination.
Over the years, he released 25 studio albums, selling more than 30 million records worldwide.
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His work was deeply rooted in the blues, a genre he returned to with great passion in his later years with projects like the ambitious 11-disc set Blue Guitars.
His music often captured the feeling of life on the open road, blending soulful melodies with his signature guitar work.
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Road to Hell
One of his most commercially successful periods came with the release of the album Road to Hell in 1989.
The title track, with its haunting intro and social commentary on the frustrations of modern life and traffic congestion (specifically inspired by the M25 motorway), became his biggest UK hit.
The album solidified his status as a major star, reaching number one on the charts and remains a favorite among rock fans today.
Fool If You Think It’s Over
The song Fool If You Think It’s Over was the track that launched Rea’s career internationally.
Released in 1978, it was a massive hit in the United States and showcased his songwriting prowess and distinctive vocal delivery.
Interestingly, Rea originally wrote the song for someone else to perform, not realizing it would be the catalyst for his own stardom.
Chris Rea Wife
Behind the music, his personal life was anchored by his long-term relationship with his wife, Joan Lesley.
The pair were childhood sweethearts who met at the age of 16 in their hometown.
They were married for over 50 years and had two daughters, Josephine and Julia, whom Rea often cited as his greatest priority over the trappings of fame.
His family was by his side when he passed away in the hospital this week.
Chris Rea Age
At the time of his passing, Chris’ real age was 74.
Born on March 4, 1951, he spent his early years working in his family’s ice cream business before picking up a guitar at the relatively late age of 21.
His career was a testament to the fact that artistry doesn’t have a shelf life, as he continued to tour and record into his 70s despite his various health setbacks.
Where Was Chris Rea Born
Fans often ask, where was Chris Rea born? He was born in Middlesbrough, England.
His father, Camillo, was Italian, and his mother, Winifred, was Irish.
This diverse heritage influenced his upbringing and his worldview, and he remained fiercely proud of his Middlesbrough roots throughout his life, often returning to the area and supporting the local community.
Chris Rea Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Chris’ real net worth was estimated to be around $8 million.
His fortune was built on decades of album sales, touring, and significant royalties from his enduring hits.
In 2022, he further secured his financial legacy by selling his music catalog to BMG for a multimillion-pound sum, ensuring that his family would be provided for long after his departure.
Chris Rea leaves behind a legacy of authenticity and musical excellence.
He will be remembered not just as a holiday icon, but as a “musician’s musician” who stayed true to his blues roots.
Would you like me to put together a timeline of Chris Rea’s most successful albums or a list of his top-rated blues performances?
