Chris Rea, the singer and guitarist remembered for hits including the festive classic ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, has died aged 74.
The news was confirmed by his family today (December 22), with a spokesperson for his wife and two children saying: “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,” they added.
The Middlesbrough native released his debut album in 1978 and scored hits with ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over)’, ‘On The Beach’, ‘Josephine’ and ‘The Road To Hell (Part 2)’, but it is the 1986 hit ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ for which he will be best remembered.
He released over 25 studio albums, two of which – ‘The Road To Hell’ (1989) and ‘Auberge’ (1991) – topped the UK Albums Chart, and his music blended blues, pop and soul.
He battled ill health for many years, being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1994 and undergoing surgery to remove his pancreas, gallbladder and part of his liver.
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