Chris Rea performs at Salle Pleyel on October 9, 2017 in Paris, France. (Credit: David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns)
LONDON - Chris Rea, the singer and musician behind the classic hits "Driving Home for Christmas" and "The Road to Hell," has died. He was 74 years old.
His family confirmed the news on Monday, stating that Rea died following a "short illness."
Chris Rea dies after ‘short illness’
What they're saying:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, who died peacefully earlier today following a short illness," his family announced in an Instagram post on Dec. 22.
"Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind," the family shared.
Chris Rea’s previous health issues
The backstory:
Rea previously experienced a series of health problems in the years prior to his death. He had suffered from pancreatic cancer, and in 2016, he suffered a stroke.
Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as "Fool (If You Think It’s Over)" and "Let’s Dance."
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Two of his studio albums, "The Road to Hell" in 1989 and "Auberge" in 1991, went to number one in the country.
Meanwhile, "Driving Home for Christmas," did not become an overnight hit when it was first released in 1986, but the gentle track proved to be an enduring success over the decades and remains one of the U.K.'s most-loved festive songs. It was featured in a TV advertisement for the retailer Marks and Spencer just this year.
In more recent years, Rea turned away from pop and released several bluesy records.
Rea is survived by his wife and two daughters.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by Chris Rea’s Instagram account. This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press contributed.