• Chris Rea, known for "Driving Home for Christmas," died at 74 after a short illness.
• He had a successful career with hits in the 1980s including "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "The Road to Hell."
• Rea battled serious health issues including pancreatic cancer and a stroke but continued to create music.
• His iconic Christmas song remains a festive staple and was featured in recent advertising campaigns.

Chris Rea, the British singer-songwriter famous for the festive classic "Driving Home for Christmas," has died at the age of 74, as announced by his family on Monday. They shared, "It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital following a short illness, surrounded by his family," according to BBC and CBS News.

Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough to an Italian father and an Irish mother, Rea's career began in the 1970s, culminating in numerous hits during the 1980s. His well-known tracks, including “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Let's Dance,” contributed to his considerable success, accumulating over 25 studio albums and selling more than 40 million records worldwide, as emphasized by South China Morning Post and Reuters.

Rea wrote "Driving Home for Christmas" during a challenging time in his life, reminiscing about the journey when he was unemployed and unable to drive, a poignant story shared in various interviews. This song has become a cherished holiday staple, frequently featured in commercials, such as this year's Marks & Spencer Christmas advertisement, according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Despite significant health battles including pancreatic cancer, for which he had his pancreas removed, and a stroke that affected his mobility and speech, Rea continued to record music. His last album, "One Fine Day," released in 2019, demonstrates his enduring passion for creating music, as noted by Reuters and BBC.