The gravel-voiced singer and guitarist passed away peacefully just days before the holidays, leaving behind one of the most enduring Christmas songs in modern music.
British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for the beloved holiday classic “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at the age of 74, just days before the festive season he helped soundtrack for millions.
A spokesperson speaking on behalf of Rea’s wife and two children confirmed the news to BBC News, saying he passed away peacefully in hospital following a short illness.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris,” the statement read.
“He passed away peacefully earlier today, surrounded by his family.”
A VOICE THAT BECAME A SEASONAL SOUNDTRACK
Renowned for his gravelly vocals and distinctive guitar style, Rea enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades. He released 25 studio albums and built a global following with songs that blended blues, rock, and deeply personal storytelling.
While his catalog includes numerous hits, “Driving Home for Christmas” became a cultural staple — returning to radio playlists every December and resonating with generations of listeners navigating holiday travel, longing, and anticipation.
His music connected beyond charts, often reflecting ordinary life, quiet hope, and human warmth, themes that helped his work endure long after initial release.
“HOPE AND WARMTH” — REA ON HIS CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
In an interview with The Independent just weeks before his death, Rea reflected on why the song continues to resonate:
“It has that hope and warmth to it, like all the classic Christmas songs,” he said.
“That — and the frustration of being stuck in motorway traffic — that’s what people relate to.”
The song’s mix of nostalgia and realism cemented its place among the most recognizable modern Christmas tracks in the U.K. and beyond.
