"Driving Home for Christmas" singer Chris Rea dies at age 74 after a short illness

The music world is mourning the loss of Chris Rea, who passed away in the hospital this Monday at the age of 74. His family confirmed the news of his death following a brief illness that took the life of the celebrated singer and songwriter.

The British rock and blues artist died on December 22 surrounded by his loved ones. A statement released on behalf of his family said, "It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris."

According to the BBC, Rea had faced significant health challenges over several decades, including a battle with pancreatic cancer and a stroke in 2016.

Rea was born in Middlesbrough to an Italian father, Camillo, and an Irish mother, Winifred K. Slee. This unique heritage often influenced his music and his perspective on the world.

His enduring festive hit "Driving Home for Christmas" remains a staple of the holiday season. It was written in 1986 during a car journey and has since become one of the most recognizable songs in the world.

Beyond his holiday fame, Rea was a prolific musician with twenty-five studio albums to his name. His 1985 album, "Shamrock Diaries, was a direct tribute to his Irish ancestry and his mother's heritage. He often credited Winifred for his lyrical sensibilities and his deep appreciation for storytelling.

Rea often spoke about the duality of his identity as the son of immigrants. He felt a strong connection to Ireland through his mother's stories. This connection helped shape his work on Shamrock Diaries and informed his later explorations of blues music.

Rea first found significant success in 1978 with the single "Fool If You Think It's Over". That song earned him a Grammy nomination and established him as a serious talent in both the United Kingdom and the United States. He followed that success with other major hits such as "On the Beach" and "The Road to Hell".

The singer's health had been a concern for fans since he underwent major surgery in 2001. He had his pancreas removed, which required him to manage a complex regimen of medication and diet for the rest of his life. Despite these physical trials, he continued to record and perform for as long as he was able.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters, who were with him until the very end. The impact of his art will continue to be felt by Irish Americans and music lovers everywhere.