• Chris Rea, famous for his festive hit "Driving Home for Christmas," passed away at 74.
• Rea had a successful career spanning five decades, recording 25 solo albums.
• He faced significant health challenges, including pancreatic cancer and a stroke.
• His 1986 song "Driving Home for Christmas" remains a holiday favorite and was featured in recent advertisements.

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

Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, England, Chris Rea started his musical journey in his teenage years and found fame in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "Let's Dance." His career spanned five decades during which he released 25 studio albums and sold over 40 million records worldwide, cementing his place as one of Britain’s most prominent pop artists, reports South China Morning Post and Reuters.

Rea's music is particularly embodied by his song "Driving Home for Christmas," first released in 1986. The song, inspired by a personal and difficult moment, became one of the UK's most cherished festive tunes, often re-entering the charts during the holiday season. This year, it was featured in a Marks & Spencer television advertisement, drawing a new audience, according to Le Monde and BBC.

Throughout his life, Rea faced numerous health challenges, including a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and a stroke in 2016, which impacted his mobility but did not deter him from making music. He continued to record and perform, illustrating his dedication to his craft, as noted by South China Morning Post and Reuters.

Chris Rea leaves behind a legacy of heartfelt music, celebrated for both its emotional depth and its connection to everyday life. His passing was met with tributes recognizing his impact on music and culture, indicating that his work will live on, according to BBC and Le Monde.