LONDON — Chris Rea, the singer-songwriter best known for his hit song “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at the age of 74, his family announced Monday.
Raya died in hospital after a short illness, according to a statement from his family to the British Press Association news agency.
Raya gained great fame in the 1980s in Britain with hit songs such as “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Let’s Dance.”
Two of his studio albums, 1989’s “Road to Hell” and 1991’s “Auberge,” reached No. 1 in the country.
‘Driving Home for Christmas’ wasn’t an overnight hit when it was first released in 1986, but the sweet track has proven an enduring hit over the decades and remains one of the UK’s most beloved festive songs. She appeared in a TV ad for retailer Marks and Spencer just this year.
The musician was born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, north-east England, to an Italian father and an Irish mother. He took up various jobs after leaving school and helped out in his family’s ice cream business.
He was a latecomer to the guitar, picking up one at age 21, and played in bands before striking out solo.
He was suffering from health problems, including pancreatic cancer, and in 2016 he suffered a stroke. In recent years he has moved away from pop music and released several music recordings.
Raya is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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