Chris Rea Dies, English Singer-Songwriter Was Known For His Husky-Gravel Voice
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Chris Rea in 2000
Chris Rea, the English singer-songwriter who was known for his husky-gravel voice, beginning with his very first hit single, 1978’s “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” died today (Dec. 22, 2025). A statement from his family on his Facebook page noted, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, who died peacefully earlier today following a short illness. Chris’s music has created the soundtrack to many lives, and his legacy will live on through the songs he leaves behind.” The announcement did not specify where; he was 74.
Rea charted dozens of songs in the U.K., mostly in the middle range of the chart. Four reached the top 15 there including a holiday favorite, “Driving Home for Christmas.” The song was originally released as a B-side in 1986. Subsequent reissues saw the single chart regularly in the U.K. during the holiday season. It ultimately peaked at #10 in 2021.
His biggest U.S. hit was “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” which peaked at #12 on the Hot 100. Only one other single reached the top 70 of the U.S. chart.
With a career spanning over 40 years and over 30 million album sales, Rea’s distinctive vocal and significant body of work saw him become a much-loved solo artist in the U.K. He released 25 studio albums, with critical and commercial acclaim there. From 1986-1994, Rea earned seven consecutive platinum albums in the U.K., including two compilation releases. Many of his albums also earned success in many European countries, yet despite that success elsewhere, his only album to reach the Top 100 in the U.S. was 1978’s Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?, which featured “Fool (If You Think It’s Over).” Its success garnered him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
1989’s “The Road to Hell (Pt 2)” features Rea’s husky-gravel voice. Its album was his first of two to top the U.K. chart.
Related: Musician and celebrity deaths of 2025
Christopher Anton Rea was born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, and didn’t purchase his first guitar until he was in his early twenties. He was self-taught. In 1973, he joined the band Magdalene, following David Coverdale’s departure. Following a brief tenure with another band, Rea began his solo career in 1974.
His many recordings are available in the U.S./worldwide here, in Canada here and in the U.K. here.
Several artists paid tribute. Michael McDonald wrote, “It’s nice to think that your voice and song are most likely accompanying so many folks making that trip at Christmas time as we speak. Thanks for sharing your gift with us all these years.”
“I’ve been a fan for decades,” wrote Randy Bachman. “’Fool’ is one of my favorite songs. I’ve seen him in concert many times. His voice is what l copied when I started my solo recordings.”
From Leo Sayer: “We became friends when I worked at his studio, sharing a mutual love of motor racing and blues. He was such a fine guitarist phrasing his songs with a uniquely husky voice, and a great songwriter too – .adios mate…”
11 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationThis is a sad day. Rea’s music was rock and blues and beautiful ballads. Hit chart success or lack of it in the US, didn’t have a thing to do with the quality of his talent. So many great songs with slide guitar solos. You could hear the heart of this man in his music and vocals. I have been listening to him for 40 years here in the US. He has a massive fan base in Europe.
And Driving Home For Christmas catches on more and more every year at this time. Great song.
RIP Chris. Thanks for all of the music.
JC3
yes,I agree with you.
I have several of his
output recordings,
and I can honestly say
that he worked outside
the perimeter from what
was encompassing the
listeners ear at the time,
with regard to the radio
as it walked off into the
sunset about that time,
but it certainly did not
diminish his own brand
of creativity musically.
Yet another artist that
in a perfect world
would have many more
explore his wonderful
back catalogue. R I P
Recall his song “On The Beach” from 1986 getting considerable airplay on Album Oriented Rock radio station back then, and smooth jazz station as well.
A turntable hit of sorts?
I didn’t know Chris was so prolific. A friend turned me onto The Road to Hell album in the early 90’s, & it’s been one of my all-time favorites ever since. In point of fact I just listened to it 3 days ago. I wish I’d had the chance to see him live.
So very sad. I love Chris Rea’s music so much. Been a big part of my life for many years. RIP Chris
“Stainsby Girl” had some of the best slide guitar work ever. Chris Rea, composer of many gems (Workin’ On It, Road to Hell). The world was a better place because of Chris Rea.
“Top to toe in tailbacks” – hearing Driving Home for Christmas on the radio is a welcome part of every Christmas in the UK.
At first I thought it was a joke since it was around Christmas but sadly we have lost one of the greatest guitar players of our generation. Rip Chris
A very sad day. The first time I heard of Chris Rea is when I was living in Sweden back in the 90s. He was huge over there and in Europe. A really good blues/rock artist who sung one of the best modern day Christmas songs, “Driving Home For Christmas.”
“Fool” is a classic Yacht Rock tune with that “Doobie bounce”. Maybe Rea came first?
I heard “The Road to Hell” on an AOR station and was instantly hooked. What a great musician and person. I wished he had toured the U.S. because I think he needed more exposure over here. I turned several of my friends into Chris Rea fans when I exposed his music to them. A very important part of my musical life gone…RIP